CBN Headquarters Abuja
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the circulation of clean Naira notes across the country while calling on Nigerians to treat the national currency with respect.
The bank also encouraged citizens to become ambassadors for the protection and proper handling of the Naira.
The CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Ali, made this known on Thursday during the CBN Special Day at the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair, which is ongoing at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry complex.
Ali, who was represented by Mr Ibrahim Abbas, Deputy Director and Head of Communication Management and Strategy, said the Bank remains focused on ensuring Nigerians have access to clean currency notes “with the right mix” in circulation.
> “We urge you to see the Naira as our vital symbol of national identity. Respect it and keep it clean. Do not spray, hawk, mutilate, or counterfeit the Naira,” she said.
“CBN cannot do it alone. Our Naira, Our Pride.”
The acting director also called for collective responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s currency and the broader economy.
> “We look forward to the continued cooperation from all stakeholders. It is only through collective effort that we can overcome challenges and guide our economy towards robust and inclusive growth,” she added.
Ali explained that the Bank’s long-term economic vision is anchored on three pillars: maintaining a strong financial system, achieving a stable foreign exchange market, and fostering effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities.
She noted that these efforts have started to yield positive results. According to her, Nigeria’s external reserves rose to $43.05 billion as of September 11, 2025, up from $40.51 billion at the end of July 2025.
She also disclosed that the CBN had continued to address macroeconomic challenges to ensure the resilience of the financial system.
> “As recently disclosed by the CBN Governor, 14 banks have already met their recapitalisation requirements.
“The Bank is closely monitoring the remaining institutions to ensure the successful completion of the process,” she stated.
Ali reiterated the Bank’s drive to deepen financial inclusion through technological innovation. She highlighted the CBN’s Payment Systems Vision 2028, which aims to modernise and secure Nigeria’s payment landscape.
She said the initiative is designed to enhance transaction speed and safety, reduce downtime, and promote inclusion, particularly in rural areas.
> “Quality testing, deployment of modern technology, awareness campaigns, and the establishment of good storage and transaction systems are key components of this plan,” she noted.
*Business community backs CBN efforts*
In his remarks, Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr Agaidu Jideani, praised the central bank for playing a significant role in enabling growth in Nigeria’s business sector.
> “The CBN remains the apex monetary authority in the country. For the business community, it is not just a regulator, but a vital enabler of growth,” Jideani said.
He cited the Bank’s interventions in credit access, forex stability, and targeted funding for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as crucial to economic development.
Jideani also acknowledged the CBN’s contributions to youth empowerment, capacity building, and interventions in agriculture, housing, education, and healthcare.
> “These efforts are creating a more inclusive and resilient economy by reducing barriers to doing business and attracting private sector investment,” he said.
The 2025 Abuja International Trade Fair, which began on September 25, is scheduled to end on October 6. The fair is themed: “ _Sustainable: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation.”_
