The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday flagged off a sensitisation campaign in Abuja to promote proper handling of the Naira.
At the event, officials of the apex bank urged Nigerians to keep banknotes clean, avoid folding or crushing them, and adopt proper storage practices.
Dr. Bala Bello, Deputy Governor, Operations, represented by Dr. Adedeji Adetona, Director, Operations and Branch Management, said the initiative was not just about clean notes but about respecting a national symbol.
“It is about confidence in our financial system, and a collective responsibility we all share,” Bello said, assuring that adequate arrangements had been made to meet cash demand during the yuletide season.
Adetona, in a separate remark, said the campaign themed “Naira Our Pride: Handle with Care” sought to instill behavioural change and strengthen the integrity of the currency.
He decried practices such as folding, tearing, spraying, writing on or hoarding notes, warning that they undermine the dignity of the Naira and raise replacement costs.
“The Central Bank cannot succeed in this mission alone. Every stakeholder has a critical role to play,” he said, listing banks, transport unions, traders, schools, religious groups, civil society and the media as key partners.
Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director, Corporate Communications, added that the campaign aligns with the CBN’s Clean Notes Policy.
“The Naira is our critical symbol of national identity. Do not spray, hawk or mutilate it. Every Nigerian must become an ambassador of clean banknotes,” she said.
The CBN also cautioned against cash hoarding, which it said disrupts circulation, denies access to others and strains the financial system.
