The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a stern reminder to the public that the abuse of the Naira remains a criminal act that can lead to prosecution. The warning was delivered during the CBN Fair held in Enugu on November 19, 2025.
Respect the Naira, CBN Officials Urge
Speaking at the event, the Acting Director of the CBN's Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, made a strong appeal to Nigerians. She urged citizens to "respect and maintain the cleanliness of the Naira." Mrs. Ali explicitly listed actions that constitute an abuse of the national currency.
"We strongly appeal to all Nigerians not to spray, hawk, mutilate or counterfeit Naira. It is our vital national symbol," she stated, reinforcing that such acts are punishable by law.
Beyond Currency: CBN's Broader Reforms
Mrs. Ali also used the platform to advise the public against misinformation. She encouraged Nigerians to rely strictly on verified information from the bank’s official channels, especially concerning currency policies and regulations.
She highlighted that the apex bank, under the leadership of Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, remains committed to ongoing reforms. She pointed out that these measures, including "disciplined monetary tightening, exchange rate unification and improved transparency," are already yielding positive results in areas like inflation, foreign reserves, and the FX market.
Other significant steps mentioned to entrench stability were:
- Bank recapitalisation
- Launch of the non-resident Bank Verification Number (BVN)
- Ongoing reforms in the payments system
Public Engagement for a Stronger Financial System
Echoing Mrs. Ali's sentiments, the CBN Enugu Branch Controller, Justice Agbeze, represented by Uche Ezike, emphasized the importance of responsible currency handling. He stated that the clean notes policy is central to the bank’s consumer protection and financial literacy efforts.
"This engagement gives everyone—banks, businesses, students, and the general public—a clearer understanding of how the CBN’s policies, including proper currency management, affect daily transactions," he explained.
The fair brought together experts from various CBN departments to educate stakeholders on key topics. Both officials concluded by encouraging full participation from attendees, noting that sustainable financial inclusion and national economic development depend heavily on public cooperation and the responsible use of the Naira.
