The Central Bank of Nigeria has urged Nigerians, particularly traders, to handle the naira with care, pride and dignity to prolong the lifespan of banknotes and reduce the cost of replacing soiled and mutilated currency.
The Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, Dr Adedeji Adetona, gave the advice on Monday during a roadshow and public awareness campaign on the proper handling of the naira at Galadima Market, Kano. He was represented by the Deputy Director, Currency Operations Department, Mr Ibrahim Yahya.
Adetona said the sensitisation campaign was designed to take the message of responsible currency handling directly to Nigerians, especially those who frequently engage in cash transactions. He described the naira as a symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty and national pride, urging the public to preserve its quality.
According to him, the CBN and the Federal Government spend substantial resources replacing banknotes that become dirty, soiled, damaged or mutilated. He said proper handling of the currency would extend its lifespan and reduce the resources required for frequent replacement.
He explained that markets were chosen for the campaign because they are major centres of commercial and cash transactions. Adetona noted that Kano’s position as a major commercial hub makes traders important stakeholders in efforts to promote proper handling of the naira.
The director said traders frequently receive and accumulate cash from customers before depositing the proceeds in banks, making them a critical starting point for the campaign. He added that the CBN would continue to engage traders and other stakeholders across the state to promote responsible handling of the currency.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Galadima Market Traders Association, Shu’aibu Suleiman, pledged the market’s cooperation with the CBN in sensitising traders, particularly small-scale sellers, on the need to handle naira notes properly.
Suleiman welcomed the choice of the market for the campaign, noting that it has a large number of small traders, including fish sellers. He said sustained public awareness would help encourage traders and customers to preserve the quality of the national currency.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the CBN team also visited Sabon Gari Market, Abattoir, Yankaba Market, Tarauni Market, ‘Yan Lemo and Dawanau International Grains Market as part of the sensitisation exercise.
