The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged Nigerians to stop mishandling the Naira, calling it an important national symbol that must be respected.
The warning was given on Thursday in Awka during a fair themed “Driving Alternative Payment Channels for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Economic Development.” The bank reminded the public that the Christmas season is near a time when people often spray, tear, or misuse Naira notes at parties.
Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, said people should rely only on verified information from the bank and should always protect the integrity of the Naira.
She said:
“Do not spray, sell, tear, or counterfeit the Naira. It represents our nation.”
Her message was delivered by Uche Tobias Nnamdi, another CBN official. He also explained that the CBN had introduced several reforms that have helped reduce inflation and strengthen the Naira against the dollar.
According to him, some key reforms include:
Unifying the exchange rate
Recapitalising banks
Introducing non-resident BVN for Nigerians abroad
Launching the BMatch system for forex trading
Unveiling the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028
Imposing a 75% Cash Reserve Ratio on public sector funds outside the TSA to better control liquidity and inflation
Earlier, the CBN Branch Controller in Awka, Mr. Akobundu Onwuchekwa represented by Dr. Onyemakonor Ogbesaid the fair was organised to educate Nigerians about CBN policies and collect feedback.
The event included lectures on payment systems and how to resolve banking issues.
It was attended by commercial bank officials, microfinance banks, students, corps members, security agencies, and other members of the public.
