The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed as false a viral social media claim alleging the introduction of a ₦5,000 banknote bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu.
The image, which has been widely circulated across various digital platforms, purportedly showed a newly designed ₦5,000 note, triggering widespread reactions and debates over its authenticity. Many social media users shared the image under the impression that it was an official sample released by the apex bank as part of a plan to introduce higher denomination currency into circulation.
However, the CBN, in a swift response via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, debunked the claim and warned Nigerians against falling victim to misinformation.
“This content is fake. Let the public be guided,” the bank stated in a brief but firm disclaimer.
The rebuttal comes amid growing concerns over the spread of false financial information, which authorities say is capable of causing confusion and undermining public confidence in the nation’s monetary system.
Investigations indicate that this viral claim is not entirely new. In previous years, the CBN similarly refuted reports alleging the introduction of ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 banknotes to ease cash transactions, describing such claims as unfounded and a fabrication of mischief-makers.
The apex bank has consistently urged members of the public to rely solely on its official communication channels for verified information regarding monetary policies and currency issuance.
Financial experts have also warned that the spread of unverified claims, particularly on sensitive issues such as currency design, could fuel economic uncertainty and mislead unsuspecting citizens. They called on the public to exercise caution and verify news before sharing it on social media.
