“Three Working Days”: A Haunting Reflection of Nigeria’s Banking Woes
Jolaade Ifeoluwaymika

In a gripping tale of tragedy and frustration, the movie “Three Working Days” sheds light on the crippling inefficiencies plaguing Nigeria’s banking system.
The film’s narrative gives a heart-wrenching account of a family’s devastating encounter with bureaucratic red tape
The family’s vacation plans were put on hold as they made a quick stop at the supermarket. The father picked up a bag of salted popcorn, while also selecting a thoughtful gift for his wife as he promised them. As he approached the checkout counter, the father reached for his ATM card, anticipating a smooth transaction. However, his confidence was short-lived, as the cashier informed him that his bank’s ATM was experiencing issues.The father, certain that he had sufficient funds in his account, requested that the cashier repeat the transaction, hoping that the issue would resolve itself. But fate had other plans.
As the father waited, a sense of unease settled over him. Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside, and the sound of gunfire pierced the air. The father’s world was turned upside down as his wife and child were caught in the crossfire. The father’s attention was now focused on the devastating scene unfolding before him. His mind racing, he struggled to process the chaos, his thoughts consumed by the well-being of his loved ones in the car outside.
The father’s world was shattered as he rushed his wife and son to the hospital. The chaos and confusion of the moment gave way to a grim reality as the medical staff delivered the devastating news: his wife had succumbed to her injuries, a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
The father’s grief was compounded by the urgent need to save his son’s life. The medical team worked tirelessly to stabilize the boy, but the father was faced with a daunting challenge: finding a way to pay for the life-saving treatment.
Despite his desperation, the father’s attempts to access his bank account were thwarted at every turn. The ATM had failed him earlier, and now again. In a heart-wrenching moment, the father was forced to turn to his sister for help, relying on her financial support to secure the necessary medical treatment for his son.
With his son’s life hanging in the balance, the father’s sole focus was on finding a way to cover the medical expenses for his son’s surgery. He was willing to do whatever it took, even if it meant sacrificing his own well-being, to ensure that his son received the care he so desperately needed. Little did he know that this was only the beginning of a harrowing ordeal that would test his resolve and push him to the limits of human endurance.
As the protagonist navigates the labyrinthine banking system, he is met with apathy and incompetence. A customer service representative callously informs him that he must wait three working days to access his funds, despite his desperate pleas to save his son’s life.
In a stunning twist, the protagonist discovers that the bank manager, an old acquaintance, is embroiled in a corrupt scheme to embezzle funds for a local chief. The manager’s offer of a paltry sum of money to the protagonist is a heartless insult, prompting a violent outburst that lands him in police custody.
With only 24 hours to raise funds for his son’s critical surgery, the protagonist is met with indifference and hostility by his friends and the banking system. Frustrated and pushed to the wall, he takes drastic measures, disguising himself and holding people hostage in a bank.
The bank is shut down but, unfortunately, his actions coincide with an armed robbery. Although the robbers escape with the money with the help of the bank manager, the protagonist’s son receives the necessary medical attention.
This story serves as a stark reminder of the systemic failures plaguing Nigeria. The banking system’s inefficiencies and corruption have real-life consequences, forcing citizens to take desperate measures to survive. The narrative echoes the experiences of many Nigerians who have suffered in silence due to the banks’ arbitrary shutdowns and lack of empathy. The story also highlights the pervasive corruption that prioritizes political interests over the welfare of the masses.
Ultimately, the protagonist’s actions, although misguided, demonstrate the resilience and determination of Nigerians in the face of adversity. His story serves as a call to action, urging the government and financial institutions to address the systemic failures and corruption that threaten the very fabric of Nigerian society.
“Three Working Days” is a powerful indictment of Nigeria’s banking system, highlighting the urgent need for reform and accountability. Will the country’s leaders take heed, or will more families suffer the devastating consequences of bureaucratic inertia?