ABUJA, June 25 – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched the CBN Naira Ambassadors Club, a new campaign designed to encourage young Nigerians to treat the country’s currency with care and discourage common forms of Naira abuse.
The initiative was unveiled by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso during an event for secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory. He said the Naira is more than a means of payment, describing it as a symbol of Nigeria’s identity, sovereignty and economic stability.
Cardoso said every banknote carries the images of notable Nigerians, national symbols and security features that help maintain confidence in the country’s monetary system adding that every Nigerian has a duty to handle the currency properly.
According to him, the CBN spends significant resources producing clean, secure and durable banknotes. However, writing on notes, folding, stapling, spraying at celebrations and other forms of mishandling cause them to wear out faster, leading to higher replacement costs and disrupting the circulation of cash.
Deputy Governor for Operations, Emem Usoro, said the campaign reflects the bank’s commitment to protecting one of Nigeria’s most important national assets. She noted that lasting change will come through education and awareness, with young people playing a key role in promoting good habits in their schools, homes and communities.
Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, Adetona Adedeji, also described protecting the Naira as a shared responsibility. He said the campaign will be extended across the country as part of efforts to reduce currency abuse, including the spraying of banknotes at social events.
