Nigeria, Dec. 21 -- The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has ordered banks and other financial institutions to ensure uninterrupted use of foreign-issued payment cards across ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals and online platforms nationwide.

The directive, contained in a Thursday circular issued by the CBN's Financial Policy and Regulation Department and signed by its Director, Rita Sike, is expected to improve access to funds, security and user experience for tourists and Nigerians returning from the diaspora.

"In furtherance of ongoing efforts to facilitate access to funds and convenience, security, and user experience in foreign card usage for diasporans and tourists visiting Nigeria, all banks and non-bank acquirers of value are here...