Abujja, Sept 25, 2025- The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has advised Nigerians to stop poor handling of the banknotes.
The apex bank made the appeal in Abuja on Wednesday during the launch of a nationwide sensitisation campaign on proper naira handling of banknotes.
Bala Bello, the CBN Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), said poor handling of banknotes had led to increased cost of their replacement.
He said that banknote were national assets and not just a medium of exchange
Bello, who was represented by Adedeji Adetona, the Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management Department, said: “The naira is more than a means of payment. It represents our national pride, our sovereignty, and our shared destiny as a people. Unfortunately, careless practices—folding, tearing, spraying at social events, writing on notes, and outright mutilation—undermine the dignity of our national symbol and increase the costs of maintaining it,” Bello said.
“If we do not act today, poor handling of our notes will continue to raise the cost of printing and replacement, cause frustration in everyday transactions, and weaken confidence in our currency.
“Cash hoarding harms us all. It denies others access to cash, disrupts circulation, and puts undue strain on the system.
“I therefore call on stakeholders to encourage responsible cash use, promote alternative payment platforms, and help curb hoarding,” Bello said.
Bello said if Nigerians handled their notes properly, the lifespan of the naira would be extended, avoidable costs would be reduced, and the currency’s symbolic value preserved.
“Every stakeholder has a critical role to play. Banks must educate customers and ensure only fit notes are in circulation.
“Market operators and transporters must discourage rejection or abuse of naira notes.
“The media and civil society must amplify this message, while every citizen must see themselves as custodians of the naira,” he said.
