The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians against spraying, hawking, mutilating, or counterfeiting the naira, stressing that the currency is not just legal tender but a vital national symbol that deserves respect and protection.
Speaking at the CBN Fair in Kaduna, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, who represented the Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said the bank would intensify efforts to educate the public on proper handling of the naira.
“I encourage you to respect the naira and keep it clean. Do not spray, hawk, damage, or counterfeit it. It is our vital national symbol,” she said, adding that safeguarding the currency was a civic duty for every Nigerian.
She explained that the CBN Fair was designed as a platform to engage directly with citizens on policies aimed at driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and sustainable development. According to her, one of the central goals is to ensure Nigerians understand how monetary policies affect their daily lives and livelihoods.
Mrs. Sidi Ali also urged citizens to seek information only from verified CBN platforms to avoid misinformation. “I urge everyone to rely only on information shared through the official channels of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” she cautioned.
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Earlier in his remarks, the Kaduna Branch Controller of the CBN, Mr. Ahmed Dalhatu, described the fair as a vital awareness campaign meant to improve financial literacy, strengthen transparency, and build trust between the Bank and the public.
He emphasized the importance of public awareness in addressing both local and global economic challenges. “As we navigate a changing economic landscape, the need for Nigerians to understand monetary policy, financial inclusion, consumer protection, digital payments, and intervention programs cannot be overstated. The CBN is committed to building a robust financial system and an inclusive economy where every citizen has the chance to succeed,” Dalhatu said.
With the warning, the apex bank has once again reinforced its determination to protect the integrity of the naira and restore public discipline in handling Nigeria’s most important financial instrument.
