CBN to Public: Naira Is a National Symbol, Not for Spraying

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has once again raised a red flag over the increasing abuse of the Naira, urging citizens to treat the national currency with dignity and care. The warning came during the recent CBN Fair held in Kaduna, as part of the apex bank’s ongoing public enlightenment campaign to promote financial literacy, economic inclusion, and currency responsibility.

Speaking on behalf of the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, the bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, emphasized the critical importance of protecting the Naira, which she described as a core national symbol that must be preserved, not defaced or disrespected.

> “The Naira is not just a means of exchange—it represents our identity, our pride, and our sovereignty. Spraying it at events, hawking it on the streets, or defacing it in any way is a criminal offense and an insult to the nation,” Sidi Ali stated.

The fair, themed “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,” brought together key stakeholders, including small and medium business owners, students, and community leaders, for an interactive session on the CBN’s latest policies and intervention programs.

The Naira: More Than Just Paper

The CBN’s message in Kaduna went beyond financial education—it carried a strong cultural and nationalistic tone. Citizens were urged to treat the Naira with the same reverence as the national flag or anthem.

Reflecting on previous warnings that have gone unheeded, the CBN reminded the public that actions such as currency spraying at weddings and parties, or hawking newly printed notes at premium prices, are not only socially irresponsible but also punishable by law under the CBN Act.

> “We are not just regulating the economy—we are shaping the attitude of a nation toward its financial ethics and symbols,” Mrs. Sidi Ali added.

Pushing Financial Inclusion Through Policy Awareness

Beyond currency respect, the CBN Fair in Kaduna aimed to deepen citizens’ understanding of alternative payment systems and how they tie into broader national development goals. From mobile money to agency banking, the fair highlighted how digital and non-traditional banking platforms can serve as vehicles for economic empowerment—particularly for underserved populations.

Officials emphasized that by aligning with the bank’s policies and embracing formal financial systems, individuals and SMEs can gain better access to credit, savings platforms, and business development support. These tools, in turn, contribute to overall economic growth and poverty reduction.

A Call to National Consciousness

This Kaduna event is part of a larger, ongoing campaign across Nigeria aimed at not just informing, but transforming public attitudes toward money, economic responsibility, and national values.

While the financial reforms and inclusion programs are central to the CBN’s mission, the Kaduna fair served as a timely reminder that true national progress begins with the way citizens handle even the smallest note in their hands.

As the CBN continues its outreach, it is calling on all Nigerians to join the movement—not just in word, but in practice—by keeping the Naira clean, using it wisely, and standing against its abuse.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) warns against the abuse of the Naira at its Kaduna Fair, urging citizens to treat the currency with respect and embrace digital financial inclusion for national growth.