CBN Flags Off Nationwide Campaign Against Naira Abuse

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched a nationwide sensitisatiin campaign against the abuse and poor handling of the naira.

The CBN also warned that careless practices such as spraying, mutilating, and hoarding of naira notes undermine the nation’s currency and increase the cost of printing and replacement.

Speaking at the flag-off in Abuja on Wednesday, the Deputy Governor, Operations, Folashodun Shonubi, who was represented by the Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management Department, Dr. Sikiru Adedeji Adetona, said the campaign was designed to instill respect for the naira as a national symbol and reduce the huge financial burden caused by its abuse.

Themed “Naira Our Pride: Handle with Care,” he explained that the naira was more than a medium of exchange but a representation of Nigeria’s pride and sovereignty.

“Unfortunately, careless practices—folding, tearing, spraying at social events, writing on notes, and even outright mutilation—undermine the dignity of our national symbol and increase the costs of maintaining it,” Adetona said.

According to him, the CBN alone cannot ensure clean notes in circulation, stressing that banks, traders, transport unions, schools, market associations, civil society, religious bodies, and the media must all work together to promote behavioural change in handling the currency.

“As we approach the yuletide, hoarding and reckless handling of cash must stop. Hoarding denies others access, disrupts circulation, and weakens confidence in our national currency. We therefore call on stakeholders to encourage responsible use, embrace alternative payment channels, and become ambassadors of the clean notes policy,” he said.

In his welcome address, Deputy Director, Currency Operations, Mr. Kazeem Olatinwo, said the campaign was about more than banknote preservation.

“It is about respect for our national identity, confidence in our financial system, and a collective duty we all share,” he stated.

He assured that the Bank had made adequate arrangements to meet cash demands nationwide during the festive season.

Also speaking, the Acting Director, Corporate Communications of the CBN, Hakama Sidi Ali, reminded Nigerians that the CBN Act 2007 empowered the Bank to issue legal tender and guarantee clean notes.

She urged citizens to desist from spraying, hawking, or writing on naira notes, and to embrace alternative payment platforms.

She added: “The naira is our critical symbol of national identity. Do not spray, hawk, or mutilate it. From today, all Nigerians are implored to be advocates and ambassadors of clean naira notes. Our naira, our pride.”

The sensitization campaign is expected to move from Abuja to all states of the federation, with roadshows targeting schools, markets, motor parks, traders, and community groups.