The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched a public awareness campaign to encourage Nigerians, particularly traders, to handle the Naira with care and dignity. The campaign, led by the Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, Adedeji Adetona, aims to promote responsible handling of the national currency. Adetona emphasized that the Naira is a symbol of Nigeria's sovereignty and national pride, and therefore, should be handled with care.
The CBN's sensitization campaign began at Galadima Market in Kano, with plans to extend it to other markets across the state. The campaign targets markets as major points of engagement due to their high volume of cash transactions. According to Adetona, traders play a crucial role in promoting proper handling of the currency, as they frequently receive and handle cash from customers.
Adetona noted that the CBN and the federal government spend substantial resources replacing currency notes that become dirty, soiled, or mutilated. He emphasized that proper handling of the Naira would help extend its lifespan and save resources that would otherwise be spent on replacing damaged notes. The CBN believes that by handling the Naira carefully, Nigerians can save a significant amount of money in terms of replacement costs.
The Chairman of Galadima Market Traders Association, Shu'aibu Suleiman, welcomed the CBN's decision to select the market for the awareness campaign. He assured the CBN team of the market's cooperation in taking the campaign to traders and customers. Suleiman noted that the market has many small traders, including fish sellers, who would benefit from the sensitization program.
The CBN team, represented by Ibrahim Yahya, deputy director of the Currency Operations Department, visited several markets in Kano, including Galadima Market, Sabon Gari Market, Abattoir, Yankaba Market, Tarauni Market, 'Yan Lemo, and Dawanau International Grains Market. The team engaged with traders and members of the public, educating them on the importance of proper handling of the Naira.
Adetona urged members of the public to handle the Naira with pride and dignity, emphasizing that it is a symbol of Nigeria's sovereignty. He encouraged traders to take the lead in promoting responsible handling of the currency, as they are key stakeholders in efforts to protect the Naira. The CBN plans to continue engaging with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to create greater awareness on the importance of preserving the Naira.
The CBN's campaign aims to encourage responsible handling of the national currency and promote a culture of care and dignity towards the Naira. By working with traders and members of the public, the CBN hopes to reduce the cost of replacing damaged notes and extend the lifespan of the Naira. The campaign is part of the CBN's efforts to promote financial stability and protect the national currency.
Key points
- The CBN has launched a public awareness campaign to promote responsible handling of the Naira.
- The campaign targets markets as major points of engagement due to their high volume of cash transactions.
- Proper handling of the Naira can help extend its lifespan and save resources that would otherwise be spent on replacing damaged notes.
