CBN reaffirms clean Naira notes drive, urging Nigerians to respect the currency and support its sustainable monetary policies

CBN reaffirms clean Naira notes as part of its pledge to maintain a sustainable financial system while urging Nigerians to treat the nation’s currency with dignity.

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Speaking at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Special Day during the ongoing 20th Abuja International Trade Fair, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Ali, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining clean and durable notes.

She encouraged citizens to be “ambassadors of clean Naira notes,” warning against spraying, hawking, mutilating or counterfeiting the currency.

“Our Naira, Our Pride,” she said, emphasising the need to see the currency as a symbol of national identity.

Ali explained that the CBN’s clean note policy goes hand in hand with broader economic efforts to strengthen financial stability.

External reserves, she noted, had risen to $43.05 billion in September 2025 from $40.51 billion in July, signalling renewed investor confidence.

On banking sector resilience, she disclosed that 14 banks had already met their recapitalisation requirements, while others were under close monitoring to ensure compliance.

She added that the CBN’s Payments Systems Vision 2028 would enhance financial inclusion, boost security and reduce transaction downtime nationwide.

The Acting Director was represented by Deputy Director, Communication Management and Strategy Division, Mr Ibrahim Abbas.

In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, described the CBN as not just a regulator but a driver of growth.

He highlighted the bank’s role in credit access, forex management, MSME support and sectoral interventions.

He said such initiatives were de-risking agriculture, healthcare, housing and education, while creating opportunities for private investment and youth empowerment.

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The renewed focus on clean Naira notes comes nearly three years after the redesign of the ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1,000 denominations, a move the bank said was necessary to curb misuse and ensure better control of currency circulation.