The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is sending a fresh and clear message to Nigerians: treat the naira with respect. 

At a time when public events, parties, and celebrations are increasing as the year winds down, the bank is reminding everyone that the currency is more than just paper, it is a national symbol that represents the country’s identity and pride.

During a sensitisation fair held in Awka, themed “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,” the CBN explained why Nigerians must change the way they handle cash. 

According to the bank, the habit of spraying, squeezing, mutilating, or even counterfeiting the naira damages the currency and weakens public trust in it.

The Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, represented at the event by Uche Tobias Nnamdi, emphasised that Nigerians should always rely on official CBN channels for information. 

She noted that the festive season often encourages misuse of cash, especially at ceremonies where spraying money has become a popular culture. This, she says, must stop. In her words, the naira is an “essential national symbol,” and preserving it is a responsibility shared by everyone.

Beyond the warning, the CBN also used the opportunity to highlight the reforms currently reshaping Nigeria’s financial system. Under the leadership of Governor Yemi Cardoso, several policies have been introduced to stabilise the economy and strengthen the naira. 

These include the unification of the exchange rate, recapitalisation of banks, the non-resident BVN initiative, and the BMatch System for foreign exchange transactions. 

The Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 and a revised Cash Reserve Ratio for public sector deposits are also part of the broader push to create a more stable and inclusive economy.

The CBN explained that these reforms are designed to reduce inflation, boost growth, create jobs, and lay a stronger foundation for the country’s economic future. 

According to officials, the improvements seen in foreign reserves and the slight strengthening of the naira in recent days show that progress is happening, even if short-term fluctuations continue.

Speaking earlier at the event, the CBN Branch Controller in Awka, Akobundu Onwuchekwa, represented by Dr Onyemakonor Ogbe said the fair was important for educating Nigerians about available payment channels and helping the public resolve issues with their banks. 

The bank sees public feedback as an essential part of improving its policies.

As Nigeria enters the busy end-of-year period, the message from the apex bank is simple, Handle the naira with care. Do not spray it at parties. Do not tear it. Do not sell or hawk it. Do not counterfeit it.