Nigerians have been advised to desist from abusing, defacing and mutilating the Naira to preserve its dignity, enhance its lifespan and reduce the cost of replacing damaged currency.
The Director, Currency Operations and Branch Management Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Dr Adetona Adedeji, gave the advice during a roadshow and public awareness campaign on the bank’s policies and programmes in Kano.
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Adedeji, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Head Planning and Development Division, Ibrahim Yahaya, said the Naira was a symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty and national pride and should therefore be handled with care.
He explained that the CBN spends significant resources replacing currency notes that become dirty, soiled or mutilated as a result of improper handling.
According to him, proper handling of the Naira by Nigerians would help extend the lifespan of the currency and reduce the cost of producing and replacing damaged notes.
The CBN representative said the campaign began at Galadima Market because markets were major centres of cash transactions, particularly in Kano, which he described as a strategic commercial hub.
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He urged traders and members of the public to handle Naira notes with pride and dignity, stressing that traders were among the first points of contact for large volumes of cash in the course of daily transactions.
Adedeji said the CBN would extend the awareness campaign to other major markets across Kano State to encourage responsible handling of the currency.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Galadima Market, Mustapha Shuaibu, urged the CBN to caution commercial banks against dispensing mutilated Naira notes to customers.
Shuaibu said the leadership of the market would educate and sensitise traders on the need to safeguard the Naira, pledging their support for the CBN’s campaign.
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The CBN team visited Galadima Market, Sabon Gari Market and Abattoir as part of the campaign.
Other markets scheduled for the awareness campaign include Yankaba Vegetable Market, Tarauni Market, Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Dawanau International Grains Market.