Standard Chartered adjusts closing time to 3pm amid US/UK terror alerts

Standard Chartered Bank has adjusted the closing time of its branches in Abuja to 3pm.

In a message to customers on Friday, the bank said the new closing time will be effective until “further advised”. 

“Dear Client, please note that our branches in Abuja will be closing by 3pm until further advised. We apologise for any inconvenience,” the message reads.

Standard Chartered, headquartered in the United Kingdom (UK), is a multinational bank with operations in consumer, corporate and institutional banking, and treasury services.

The decision to adjust its closing time comes after alerts were issued by the UK, US as well as Canada over potential security threats in Abuja. 

The UK had warned of an increased threat of terrorist attacks in the federal capital territory (FCT).

Its citizens were also admonished to stay alert, “consider movements carefully, follow the local news and the advice of security authorities”.

The country also announced restricted access to its high commission in Abuja.

In an updated travel advisory, the UK further advised citizens against ‘non-essential’ travel within Abuja. 

Similarly, the US also ordered family members of its employees resident in Abuja to leave the state, citing “heightened risk of terrorist attacks there”. 

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has insisted that the country is safe.