ECOBANK says it is using the opportunity of the 2008 Enugu International Trade Fair to extend the benefits of its multi-currency Debit Card to Nigerians in the Eastern part of the country.

The multi-currency debit card enables current and intending holders of the card who travel across Africa to access local currencies of host countries through Ecobank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Stating this in a session within the press, Ecobank Nigeria, Head of Transaction Bank, Mr. Richard Adiele maintained that the Ecobank multi-currency debit card stands out as the easiest means of cash transactions for business people who traverse the West Coast of Africa, for which the Easterners renowned.

Adiele stated that the concept of the Ecobank debit card follows from the need to stem cross border crimes targeted at international traders, as well as tourist, saying that it translates to breaking currency barriers that allows the customer withdraw the local currency on Ecobank ATMs anywhere in Africa.

For him, this latest innovation from Ecobank is in line with its strategic plan which envisions Africa as a preferred business destination to the world, enabling businessmen and tourist visiting in countries other than their own access national currencies of the different countries without visiting any bank or financial institution for forex service.

He assured that the debit card innovation is designed to further boost global efforts at promoting a cashless and corrupt-free society, including completely phasing out the movement of cash across borders. And that it takes only 24 hours for any customer that does not own an Ecobank ATM card to acquire a debit card and begin to enjoy the service.

According to him traveling with the Ecobank debit card translates to breaking currency barriers that allows the customer withdraw the local currency on Ecobank ATMs anywhere in Africa.

The new Ecobank debit card service has already commenced in 14 countries of Africa including : Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Cote d Voire, Cameroun, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Togo, Mali, Niger and Benin. It is also expected to extend to the other countries of Africa where Ecobank has affiliates before the end of 2008.