The sensitisation drive, themed ‘Naira Our Pride: Handle
with Care’, was flagged off on Wednesday in Abuja.

The event comes ahead of the yuletide season when demand for
cash typically spikes.

Bala Bello, the CBN deputy governor in charge of operations,
said the campaign goes beyond keeping notes clean, stressing that it is about
“respecting Nigeria’s national symbol and strengthening confidence in the
financial system”.

Bello, who was represented by Adedeji Adetona, director of
operations and branch management, said the apex bank has made adequate
arrangements to ensure a sufficient supply of naira notes during the festive
period.

“What is needed is proper handling to keep our notes clean
and fit for use,” he said.

Bello described the naira as “more than a means of payment”,
calling it a symbol of national pride and sovereignty.

He warned that “careless practices” such as tearing,
spraying at social events, and hoarding drive up the cost of printing and
replacing banknotes, frustrate transactions, and erode confidence in the
currency.

“The Central Bank cannot succeed in this mission alone,” the
deputy governor said.

“Every stakeholder has a role, banks must ensure fit notes
circulate, transport operators and traders must discourage note abuse, while
schools, religious groups, civil society and the media must amplify this
message.”

On her part, Hakama Sidi-Ali, acting director of corporate
communications at the CBN, said the campaign aligns with the bank’s clean notes
policy, which aims to ensure the availability of quality banknotes and
encourage Nigerians to adopt alternative payment channels.

“The naira is our critical symbol of national identity. Do
not spray, hawk or mutilate it,” Sidi-Ali said.

“From today, all Nigerians are implored to be advocates and
ambassadors of clean naira notes.”

The CBN, therefore, called on all stakeholders to encourage
responsible cash use, promote alternative payment platforms, and help curb
hoarding practices.