The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged Nigerians, especially traders who handle large amounts of cash daily, to treat the naira with greater care and respect.
The appeal was made on Monday during a public awareness campaign and roadshow at Galadima Market in Kano, as the apex bank stepped up efforts to reduce the damage and early deterioration of banknotes.
The Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, Dr Adedeji Adetona, represented by Deputy Director Ibrahim Yahya, said the campaign was designed to take the message directly to people who regularly conduct cash transactions.
Adetona described the naira as an important symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty and national identity, urging Nigerians to avoid actions that could damage the currency.
“The Naira is the symbol of our sovereignty. It is our national pride, and we need to handle the Naira very carefully and effectively,” he said.
He explained that the government and the CBN spend significant resources replacing banknotes that become dirty, worn out, damaged or mutilated.
According to him, Nigerians can help reduce the cost of replacing damaged notes by taking better care of the currency.
“We believe that by handling the Naira carefully, we are extending the lifespan of that Naira and, by extension, saving a lot of money in terms of replacement of the Naira,” he said.
The CBN official said the awareness campaign began at Galadima Market because of the high volume of cash transactions carried out by traders there.
He explained that traders are particularly important to the campaign because they receive and handle large quantities of banknotes before eventually depositing their earnings in banks.
“Kano is a centre of commerce that records substantial cash transactions, making traders important stakeholders in efforts to promote proper handling of the currency,” Adetona said.
The sensitisation exercise is expected to continue across other markets in Kano State as the CBN seeks to encourage more responsible handling of banknotes.
Adetona also assured Nigerians that the apex bank would continue working with relevant stakeholders and expand public education on ways to preserve the naira and reduce unnecessary damage to banknotes.
The Chairman of the Galadima Market Traders Association, Shu’aibu Suleiman, pledged the cooperation of the market leadership in educating traders, particularly small-scale sellers, about proper currency handling.
Suleiman welcomed the initiative and said the campaign would benefit the market’s large population of traders, including fish sellers.
He also called for continuous public education to ensure that responsible handling of the naira becomes a common practice among Nigerians.
As part of the campaign, the CBN team also visited Sabon Gari Market, Abattoir, Yankaba Market, Tarauni Market, Yan Lemo and Dawanau International Grains Market.
Source: NAN.
