*The Central Bank of Nigeria emphasises the importance of responsible currency handling, stating its clean-notes policy is central to the Bank鈥檚 consumer protection and financial literacy efforts

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has emphasised the significance of responsible handling of the Naira, the national currency.

绿帽献妻 reports Justice Agbeze, CBN Enugu Branch Controller, stated this in his welcome address Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the CBN Fair, in Enugu, Enugu State capital.

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Agbeze, represented at the event by Uche Ezike, said the clean-notes policy is central to the Central Bank鈥檚 ongoing consumer protection and financial literacy efforts.

The CBN Enugu Branch Controller also stated: 鈥淭he engagement gives everyone鈥攂anks, businesses, students, and the general public鈥攁 clearer understanding of how the CBN鈥檚 policies, including proper currency management, affect daily transactions.”

The banking sector regulator urged Nigerian consumers to respect and maintain the cleanliness of the Naira, the country’s currency.

The Bank emphasised that abuse of the currency remains a punishable offence in the economy.

It also warned the citizens to stop abusing the Naira.

 

The Bank stressed the national currency is a symbol deserving respect and proper handling.

In her address on the occasion, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Tuesday, while speaking at the CBN Fair, in Enugu, also urged consumers to 鈥渞espect and maintain the cleanliness of the Naira.”

Mrs. Ali said the CBN reiterated that the abuse of the currency remains a punishable offence in Nigeria.

Penalty and forms of Naira abuse

Highlighting the requisite punishment for abuse of the national currency, the Central Bank of Nigeria said currency abuse in any forms, whether spraying at parties or mutilating in markets, weakens confidence, shortens the lifespan of notes, and costs the nation billions in reprints.

The banking sector regulator affirmed that under the CBN Act, offenders risk fines of up to N50,000 or six months鈥� imprisonment.

Mrs. Ali, CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications further said: 鈥淲e strongly appeal to all Nigerians: do not spray, hawk, mutilate, or counterfeit the naira. It is our vital national symbol.鈥�

According to her, proper currency handling is essential for improving financial culture and strengthening the payment ecosystem.

The CBN, therefore, urged the public to rely only on verified information from the Bank鈥檚 official channels to avoid misinformation, particularly regarding currency policies and regulations.

Ali also explained the CBN鈥檚 reforms, including disciplined monetary tightening, exchange rate unification, and improved transparency, have stabilised the financial system, improved inflation and reserves, and strengthened the FX market.

The CBN leadership under Dr. Olayemi Cardoso as Governor, has taken steps to entrench stability, including bank recapitalisation, the launch of the Non-Resident BVN, and ongoing reforms in the payments system.

The Fair attracted experts from key CBN Departments to educate stakeholders on payment system improvements, consumer rights, microfinance operations, and currency management processes. Both officials encouraged participants to ask questions and engage fully.

According to them, sustainable financial inclusion and economic development depend on public cooperation and responsible use of the Naira.

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