CBN Urges Nigerians to Handle Naira With Pride, Dignity

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged Nigerians, particularly traders and other frequent cash handlers, to treat the naira with care, pride and dignity to prolong the lifespan of banknotes and reduce the cost of replacing damaged currency.

The Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, Adedeji Adetona, made the call on Monday during a CBN roadshow and public awareness campaign on proper naira handling at Galadima Market in Kano.

Adetona, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Currency Operations Department, Ibrahim Yahya, said the sensitisation programme was designed to take the message directly to members of the public, especially those who engage in regular cash transactions.

He described the naira as a symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty and national pride, stressing the need for Nigerians to handle the currency responsibly.

“The naira is the symbol of our sovereignty. It is our national pride, and we need to handle the naira very carefully and effectively,” he said.

According to him, the CBN and the Federal Government spend significant resources replacing banknotes that become dirty, soiled, spoiled or mutilated.

He explained that proper handling of the currency would extend its lifespan and reduce the resources required to replace damaged notes.

“We believe that by handling the naira carefully, we are extending the lifespan of that naira and, by extension, saving a lot of money in terms of replacement of the naira,” Adetona said.

The CBN director said Kano was chosen for the campaign because of its strategic position as a major commercial centre with significant cash transactions.

He said markets were particularly important to the campaign because traders receive and handle large amounts of cash from customers before depositing their proceeds in banks.

“So we believe that when we talk to the traders themselves, that is the starting point,” he said, adding that responsible handling by traders would contribute significantly to the CBN’s objective of preserving the quality of the national currency.

Adetona said the awareness campaign would be extended to other markets across Kano State as the CBN continues to engage stakeholders and members of the public on proper naira handling.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Galadima Market Traders Association, Shu’aibu Suleiman, pledged the market leadership’s support for the initiative.

Suleiman said the association would work with the CBN to sensitise traders, particularly small-scale sellers, on the importance of keeping naira notes in good condition.

He welcomed the decision to hold the campaign at the market, noting that it would help reach a large number of traders, including fish sellers and other small business operators.

He assured the CBN team of the market’s cooperation and called for sustained public awareness to encourage Nigerians to handle the national currency properly.

The CBN team also visited Sabon Gari Market, Abattoir, Yankaba Market, Tarauni Market, ‘Yan Lemo and Dawanau International Grains Market as part of the sensitisation exercise.