Aggrieved depositors of the defunct Heritage Bank have urged the Federal Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to ensure the immediate payment of their outstanding legitimate funds.
The depositors, under the aegis of the Concerned Heritage Bank Depositors Forum, said prolonged delays in accessing their money had subjected thousands of Nigerians to severe financial hardship.
The group made the demand in a statement issued on August 22, 2026, under the theme, “Our Money, Our Right: Pay Heritage Bank Depositors Their Full Funds Now.”
According to the depositors, many customers have remained unable to access their savings for months, despite the fact that the funds represent earnings accumulated through years of work, sacrifice and responsible financial planning.
They said the situation had gone beyond a banking dispute, as families were being forced to bear the consequences of having their funds inaccessible.
The group listed school fees, medical expenses, business capital and retirement needs among the obligations affected by the delay.
It said parents were struggling to pay school fees, patients were finding it difficult to settle medical bills, entrepreneurs had their business capital trapped, while pensioners depended on their savings for survival.
The depositors therefore called on the Federal Government, CBN and NDIC to take decisive steps to resolve the issue and ensure that every depositor receives full payment of legitimate funds.
Describing the matter as one involving “trust, dignity and economic justice,” the group also appealed to the media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support its campaign.
The depositors warned that continued delays would deepen the hardship faced by affected Nigerians.
They said: “Behind every trapped account is a Nigerian family facing real hardship. Let’s join hands to push the campaign.”
The group added: “Justice delayed is hardship prolonged. Nigerians had saved responsibly and institutions must equally act responsibly in resolving the matter.”
It concluded with its central message: “We saved responsibly. They must pay responsibly.
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