The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians to stop abusing the naira, stressing that the national currency is a symbol deserving respect and proper handling.

Speaking at the CBN Fair in Enugu on Tuesday, Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, urged citizens to “respect and maintain the cleanliness of the naira,” emphasizing that abuse of the currency remains a punishable offense.

“We strongly appeal to all Nigerians: do not spray, hawk, mutilate, or counterfeit the naira. It is our vital national symbol,” she said, noting that proper currency handling is essential for improving financial culture and strengthening the payment ecosystem.

Sidi Ali advised the public to rely only on verified information from the Bank’s official channels to avoid misinformation, particularly regarding currency policies and regulations. She added that the CBN’s reforms, including disciplined monetary tightening, exchange rate unification, and improved transparency, have stabilized the financial system, improved inflation and reserves, and strengthened the FX market.

According to her, the CBN leadership under Mr. Olayemi Cardoso has taken steps to entrench stability, including bank recapitalization, the launch of the non-resident BVN, and ongoing reforms in the payments system.

Welcoming participants, CBN Enugu Branch Controller Justice Agbeze, represented by Uche Ezike, also stressed the importance of responsible currency handling. He said the clean-notes policy is central to the Bank’s consumer protection and financial literacy efforts.

“The engagement gives everyone—banks, businesses, students, and the general public—a clearer understanding of how the CBN’s policies, including proper currency management, affect daily transactions,” he said.

The Fair brought together experts from key CBN departments to educate stakeholders on payment system improvements, consumer rights, microfinance operations, and currency management processes. Both officials encouraged participants to ask questions and engage fully, noting that sustainable financial inclusion and economic development depend on public cooperation and responsible use of the naira. (Vanguard)