Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issues a fresh warning against the wrongful handling and abuse of Naira notes ahead of the festive season, urging citizens to treat the currency as a core national symbol.
The caution comes during a CBN fair in Awka on Thursday, held under the theme: “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development.”
Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, represented by Uche Tobias Nnamdi, warns that social events during the Yuletide often lead to widespread spraying, mutilation and defacing of banknotes.
“We strongly advise that you rely on verified information from the Central Bank of Nigeria,” she says. “Uphold the integrity of the Naira. Refrain from spraying, hawking, mutilating or counterfeiting it. The Naira is our essential national symbol.”
She highlights key reforms undertaken by the apex bank over the past two years, which she says have stabilised the currency and supported economic recovery. These include exchange-rate unification, bank recapitalisation, the rollout of the non-resident BVN, the BMatch FX trading system and the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028.
Mrs Sidi Ali adds that the implementation of a 75% Cash Reserve Ratio on non-TSA public deposits is helping manage liquidity and curb inflationary pressures.
In his welcome address, Awka Branch Controller Mr Akobundu Onwuchekwa, represented by Dr Onyemakonor Ogbe, says the fair offers a vital platform for public awareness. “This occasion provides an opportunity for feedback and helps the bank sensitise Nigerians on its initiatives,” he states.
CBN officials also delivered lectures on alternative payment channels and how citizens can resolve issues with commercial banks. Participants included financial institutions, security agencies, students, Corps members and community groups.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Juliet Jacob 
Mirian Gom 