CBN takes campaign against Naira abuse to S’East

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken its campaign against the abuse of the Naira to the South East, reminding Nigerians that the national currency must be treated with respect.

Speaking at the CBN fair held in Enugu yesterday, the acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, said the Bank was worried about the continued mishandling of the Naira and urged citizens to change their habits.

“We strongly appeal to all Nigerians not to spray, hawk, mutilate or counterfeit the Naira. It is our vital national symbol,” she said

According to her, proper handling of the currency was part of strengthening the country’s financial culture and improving the payment system.

She also encouraged Nigerians to rely only on verified information from the CBN’s official platforms, warning that misinformation, especially about currency policies, often leads to confusion.

She added that the Bank’s ongoing reforms under Governor Olayemi Cardoso were already helping to stabilise inflation, strengthen foreign reserves and bring more order to the foreign exchange market.

Welcoming participants earlier, the CBN Enugu Branch Controller, Justice Agbeze, represented by Uche Ezike, emphasised the importance of the clean-notes policy and responsible currency use.

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

The one-day fair brought together experts from different CBN departments to speak on payment systems, consumer protection, micro-finance activities and overall financial literacy, all aimed at helping the public better understand how to handle the Naira responsibly.

Both officials urged participants to ask questions and engage fully, noting that protecting the Naira and promoting financial inclusion require the cooperation of all Nigerians.