The National Orientation Agency, NOA, Ondo State Directorate, has called for stronger collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to promote financial literacy, responsible use of the Naira and sustained public orientation across the state.
The call was made when the NOA delegation paid a courtesy visit to the CBN Akure Branch to explore areas of collaboration on public sensitisation and behavioural change.
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Receiving the delegation, the CBN Branch Controller, Mr. Aina Olumide Adebanjo, commended NOA for its sustained grassroots orientation efforts and welcomed the initiative to deepen collaboration between the two institutions.
In her remarks, the NOA State Director, Mrs. Bolanle Oguntuase, said the visit was aimed at identifying practical areas of synergy that would strengthen public awareness about the dignity, integrity and proper handling of the Nigerian currency.
Mrs. Oguntuase expressed concern over the continued improper handling of the Naira, including squeezing, tearing and, particularly, spraying of banknotes at social events.
She noted that although Naira spraying has become culturally entrenched in some celebrations, the practice is prohibited and requires sustained behavioural-change communication.
The NOA State Director stressed that the Naira should be treated with dignity, noting that beyond its monetary value, the currency represents an important symbol of Nigeria’s national identity.
She said NOA’s presence across all 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State, through its Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers, COMOs, provides an effective platform for taking accurate information directly to communities, markets, schools, social gatherings and other grassroots audiences.
During the engagement, NOA officials also raised concerns based on feedback from the grassroots, including reports that some residents were unaware that spraying Naira notes at social events is prohibited.
The Deputy Director of NOA, Mr. Olubumo, observed that even when some members of the public are informed about the prohibition, they sometimes argue that the practice is part of their culture and cannot easily be abandoned.
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Similarly, the Assistant Director, Mr. Akinde, sought clarification on reports of the sale of newly issued or mint Naira notes at social events, expressing concern over the implications for the integrity and proper circulation of the currency.
Another Assistant Director, Mr. Oranezu, raised concerns about the effectiveness of the cashless policy, particularly reports of large cash transactions, including substantial cash payments allegedly used for ransom, and sought clarification on how such volumes of cash are obtained despite the policy.
Responding, the CBN Branch Controller acknowledged that Naira spraying remains a major cultural challenge, stressing that sustained public orientation is required to change citizens’ attitudes and behaviour.
Mr. Adebanjo explained that the CBN does not directly enforce the relevant laws but collaborates with appropriate security agencies to address unlawful activities, including the sale of Naira notes.
On the cashless policy, he said the policy remains operational and has largely achieved the objectives for which it was introduced.
The CBN official agreed on the need for greater public awareness of laws and regulations governing the Naira, describing NOA’s extensive grassroots network as a valuable channel for delivering consistent and credible information to citizens.
The engagement ended with a shared understanding of the need for a structured and sustained partnership between NOA and CBN to promote Naira integrity and financial literacy across Ondo State.
The institutions identified opportunities for joint sensitisation through community meetings, radio programmes, schools, markets, religious institutions, social events and other relevant platforms.
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It was particularly recommended that the CBN provide NOA with accurate and up-to-date information on relevant regulations and approved public messages, while NOA leverages its COMOs across the 18 Local Government Areas to sustain grassroots orientation on Naira abuse, improper handling of currency, Naira spraying and the sale of newly issued notes.
The visit marked a significant step towards coordinated public enlightenment and behavioural change aimed at promoting respect for the Naira as a symbol of Nigeria’s national identity.