By Denis Matthew, Abuja
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged Nigerians to treat the Naira with dignity, warning against spraying, hawking, mutilating or counterfeiting the national currency.
Speaking at the CBN Special Day during the ongoing 20th Abuja International Trade Fair, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, stressed that the Naira should be seen as a symbol of national identity.
“Respect it and keep it clean. Do not spray, hawk, mutilate, or counterfeit the Naira. We also encourage you to be ambassadors of the Bank’s clean notes, as the CBN cannot do it alone. Our Naira, Our Pride,” she told participants at the fair organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Sidi Ali explained that the apex bank remains committed to providing clean notes while pursuing policies that strengthen Nigeria’s economy, boost non-oil exports, and attract foreign investment. She noted that investor confidence had improved significantly under the leadership of CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, citing a rise in external reserves from $40.51 billion in July 2025 to $43.05 billion as of September 11, 2025.
She added that 14 Nigerian banks have already met recapitalisation requirements, with the rest under close monitoring, while the CBN continues to push innovations through its Payment Systems Vision 2028 to improve financial inclusion and secure faster, safer transactions.
According to her, sustaining economic growth rests on a tripod of strong financial systems, a stable foreign exchange market, and effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities.
“Our annual participation at this fair is to raise awareness and sensitise stakeholders about our policies and programmes, which are essential for boosting economic activities, inclusiveness, and achieving global recognition,” she said.