• Proper handling extends banknote lifespan
• Cuts high replacement costs for the
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged citizens—especially traders—to handle the Naira with care, dignity, and national pride.
According to the apex bank, responsible handling will extend the lifespan of currency notes and significantly reduce the high cost of replacing soiled and mutilated money.
The Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, Adedeji Adetona, gave the advice on Monday in Kano during a roadshow and public awareness campaign at Galadima Market.
Represented by Ibrahim Yahya, a deputy director in the department, Mr Adetona said the sensitization exercise aims to take the message directly to high-volume cash handlers.
He described the Naira as a vital symbol of national sovereignty and pride.
“The key message is proper handling of the Naira. As the symbol of our sovereignty and national pride, we must handle our currency with care,” he said.
Mr Adetona noted that the CBN and the Federal Government spend substantial public funds every year replacing damaged and worn-out notes.
“By handling the Naira carefully, we extend its lifespan and save massive resources that would otherwise go toward reprinting,” he added.
The CBN initiated the campaign at Galadima Market and plans to roll out similar events across commercial centers statewide. Market hubs were prioritized due to their high volume of daily cash exchanges.
“Kano is a major commercial engine with heavy daily cash traffic, making traders key stakeholders in preserving our currency,” Mr Adetona explained. “Traders receive cash daily, hold it, and eventually deposit it in banks. Getting them to adopt better habits is the most effective starting point.”
He reaffirmed that the apex bank will sustain stakeholder engagement to build lasting public awareness.
Responding, the Chairman of the Galadima Market Traders Association, Shu’aibu Suleiman, pledged full support for the initiative. He commended the CBN for targeting commercial hubs, noting that small-scale vendors—such as fish sellers—stand to benefit immensely from proper handling techniques.
“Continuous public education is essential if we want to preserve the quality of our notes,” Mr Suleiman said, assuring the CBN team of the association’s cooperation.
During the campaign, the CBN delegation visited several key locations, including Galadima Market, Sabon Gari Market, the Abattoir, Yankaba Market, Tarauni Market, ’Yan Lemo, and the Dawanau International Grains Market.
