As a banker, I was naturally dismayed when I saw the back page of the PUNCH of 28th July 2004.As I scanned the page, my emotions turned from dismay to anger and then disgust.A man presiding over the most corrupt country in the world (Transparency International) where 90.8% of the population lives on less than two dollars a day (Human Development Report) and inflation of 19.4% (FOS) has just figured out the problem with the economy-banks.I will begin by saying what Nigerian banks are and what they will never be unless the country changes dramatically. Nigerian banks are some of the most competitive work place on earth.Our work hour is humorously referred to as 5 to 9 instead of the traditional 9 to 5 and is usually true.These banks hire over 50,000 Nigerians in direct employment and many more in their subsidiaries and affiliates.We also create jobs for all the ancillary workers from doctors, architects, lawyers and restaurateurs.&nb...
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