Nigeria: CBN Reaffirms Commitment to Clean Naira Notes, Highlights Currency and Economic Stability Efforts

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the circulation of clean Naira notes while urging Nigerians to treat the national currency with respect as a symbol of identity and pride.

Speaking at the CBN Special Day during the ongoing 20th Abuja International Trade Fair, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Ali, stressed that maintaining clean banknotes requires collective responsibility. Represented by Mr. Ibrahim Abbas, Deputy Director and Head of the Communication Management and Strategy Division, Ali called on citizens to become ambassadors of clean currency practices.

“Respect the Naira and keep it clean. Do not spray, hawk, mutilate, or counterfeit our currency. The CBN is working to ensure availability of clean notes with the right mix, but we cannot do it alone. Our Naira, Our Pride,” she said.

Ali explained that sustainable economic growth rests on three critical pillars: strong financial systems, a stable foreign exchange market, and effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities. She noted that the CBN’s efforts in these areas are yielding results, with Nigeria’s external reserves rising to $43.05 billion on September 11, 2025, compared to $40.51 billion at the end of July 2025.

According to her, most financial soundness indicators remain within prudential benchmarks, underscoring the resilience of the banking system. She also confirmed that 14 banks have successfully met recapitalisation requirements, while the apex bank continues to monitor others to ensure compliance.

The CBN’s agenda also includes driving innovation within the payments landscape through its Payments Systems Vision 2028. The initiative is designed to broaden financial inclusion, enhance transaction security, minimise downtime, and future-proof Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem, particularly for underserved communities.

The Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr. Agaidu Jideani, commended the CBN for playing a pivotal role not just as a regulator but as a driver of economic growth. He highlighted the bank’s interventions in credit access, forex management, and financial inclusion as vital enablers for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Jideani further praised the apex bank’s sectoral initiatives in agriculture, healthcare, housing, education, and youth empowerment, noting that such programmes reduce barriers to doing business, de-risk critical sectors, and strengthen investor confidence.

The remarks also align with the broader theme of the 2025 Abuja International Trade Fair, “Sustainable Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,” which emphasizes building inclusive and resilient economic systems.

The CBN has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining clean and secure banknotes, recalling its 2022 currency redesign that introduced new ₦200, ₦500, and ₦1,000 notes. The policy sought to address concerns over the quality and management of notes in circulation, particularly those held outside the banking system.

As the apex bank continues to promote economic resilience, clean Naira advocacy, and innovations in payment systems, stakeholders reaffirm that safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s currency remains central to building a sustainable and competitive economy.