The Central Bank of Nigeria has launched a public awareness campaign to encourage Nigerians, particularly traders, to handle the naira with care and pride. The campaign, led by Dr Adedeji Adetona, Director of Currency Operations and Branch Management, 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 Nigerians should handle it with dignity.
The CBN team, represented by Mr Ibrahim Yahya, Deputy Director of Currency Operations Department, conducted a roadshow and public awareness campaign at Galadima Market in Kano. The campaign targets markets and other areas where cash transactions are frequent, as these are critical points for promoting proper handling of the naira. Adetona explained that the CBN and the Federal Government spend significant resources replacing soiled and mutilated currency notes.
Proper handling of the naira can help extend its lifespan and save resources that would otherwise be spent on replacing damaged notes. Adetona noted that the CBN had commenced the sensitisation campaign at Galadima Market in Kano, with plans to take the message to other markets across the state. The campaign aims to encourage responsible handling of the national currency and promote a culture of care and pride for the naira.
Markets were selected as major points of engagement because they are important centres for exchange and cash transactions. 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 urged members of the public to handle the naira with pride and dignity.
Traders receive and handle cash frequently from customers and, in many cases, accumulate the money before taking the proceeds to banks. Ensuring that traders properly handle the cash they receive from customers is an important starting point in achieving the objective of protecting the naira. Adetona said the CBN would continue to engage relevant stakeholders and members of the public to create greater awareness of the importance of preserving the naira.
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 had many small traders, including fish sellers, who would be reached through the sensitisation programme.
The CBN team visited several markets in Kano, including Galadima Market, Sabon Gari Market, Abattoir, Yankaba Market, Tarauni Market, ‘Yan Lemo and Dawanau International Grains Market. The campaign aims to promote a culture of care and pride for the naira and encourage responsible handling of the national currency.
Key points
- The CBN urges Nigerians to handle the naira with care, pride and dignity to extend its lifespan and reduce replacement costs.
- The campaign targets markets and other areas where cash transactions are frequent.
- Proper handling of the naira can help extend its lifespan and save resources that would otherwise be spent on replacing damaged notes.
