By Deborah Nnamdi
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has rolled out a nationwide sensitization campaign to curb the abuse and hoarding of the Naira, warning that such practices undermine the integrity of the national currency as the yuletide season approaches.
The initiative, launched in Abuja with the theme “Naira Our Pride: Handle with Care”, seeks to promote responsible handling of the currency and encourage the use of alternative payment platforms to ease circulation.
Speaking at the flag-off, the CBN Deputy Governor (Operations), Mr. Bala Bello—represented by the Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, Dr. Adetona Adedeji—urged Nigerians to adopt a change of attitude toward the Naira. He condemned common practices such as spraying money at parties, folding, tearing, writing on, or otherwise mutilating banknotes, stressing that these acts diminish the nation’s symbol of pride and increase replacement costs.
“The Naira is more than a means of payment. It represents our national pride, our sovereignty, and our shared destiny as a people. Careless practices undermine its integrity and weaken confidence in our national currency,” Bello said.
The apex bank emphasized that the campaign was a collective responsibility, calling on stakeholders—banks, traders, market leaders, schools, transport unions, religious groups, civil society, and the media—to champion the cause. Bello noted that banks must ensure only fit notes circulate, while market operators and transport workers should discourage the rejection or abuse of legal tender.
Highlighting the dangers of cash hoarding, he warned that stockpiling money during festive seasons distorts circulation, denies others access to cash, and puts strain on the financial system.
Hajiya Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, reiterated the bank’s commitment to its Clean Note Policy as provided in the CBN Act of 2007. She described the Naira as a “critical symbol of national identity,” urging Nigerians to protect it.
“It is the civic duty of every Nigerian to handle the Naira with care. Do not spray, hawk, or mutilate it. We must all be ambassadors of clean notes,” she said.
The apex bank encouraged citizens to embrace digital payment channels during the festive period as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s payment system and protect consumer rights.
