The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially classified the use of “money bouquets” — decorative arrangements of folded naira notes often used at social events and as gifts — as a form of naira abuse, reinforcing existing currency protection laws and underscoring the bank’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the national currency.
The directive places money bouquets alongside other prohibited acts such as spraying, squeezing, selling, and defacing naira banknotes — practices the apex bank says undermine the value and durability of the legal tender.
Under the provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 (as amended), tampering with the nation’s currency in ways that compromise its physical integrity is a punishable offence. The law prescribes a minimum imprisonment term of six months or a fine of at least ₦50,000 — or both — for offenders found guilty of currency abuse.
According to information circulating in news reports and confirmed by CBN communication channels, the bank’s expanded definition of “abuse” now explicitly includes money bouquets — a decorative practice in which naira notes are folded, rolled or arranged into floral-like displays for presentation on occasions such as birthdays, weddings, Valentine’s Day and other social gatherings.
What Constitutes “Naira Abuse”?
The CBN’s interpretation of the law covers a range of actions that impair the physical state of banknotes or treat them in ways that render them unsuitable for general circulation. The law states that:
Related Content
- Spraying, spreading, or decorating with naira notes during social functions constitutes abuse and defacing of the currency.
- Hawking, selling, or trading naira notes and coins outside authorised financial channels is prohibited.
- Activities that lead to squeezing, tearing, stapling, writing on, or otherwise mutilating banknotes fall within unlawful conduct.
The legal framework defines currency abuse broadly so as to protect the durability, acceptability and symbolic value of the naira, which the CBN regards as the nation’s legal tender and a cornerstone of national pride.
Enforcement and Penalties
In announcing the updated stance, the CBN urged Nigerians to report instances of naira abuse and said enforcement agencies would intensify actions against offenders. Media reports suggest that law enforcement bodies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other regulatory partners are already engaged in efforts to curb violations.
Section 21 of the CBN Act clearly spells out the penalties. Offenders, including individuals who author or display money bouquets, could face at least six months in jail, a minimum fine of ₦50,000, or both, should they be successfully prosecuted in court.
Why the Crackdown?
Central bank officials argue that practices such as spraying and making money bouquets may seem culturally festive but ultimately damage banknotes, accelerate wear-and-tear, and add to the cost of currency management. Defaced or damaged notes often have to be withdrawn from circulation prematurely, which places additional operational burdens on the banking system.
Critics of the practice, including the CBN, also contend that these behaviours can contribute to currency scarcity in everyday transactions because notes taken out of circulation for decoration or gifts are not readily available for daily commerce. Enforcement efforts, therefore, reflect a broader policy drive to maintain the quality and availability of legal tender across the economy.
Public Reaction and Cultural Context
The CBN’s position has generated mixed reactions across social media and public forums. Some Nigerians have questioned the timing of the reminder — particularly when it coincides with occasions like Valentine’s Day, when money bouquets are a popular romantic gesture. Others say that respect for the legal tender is a civic duty and that the enforcement of the law could instil greater discipline around currency handling.
Legal experts note that while laws against currency abuse have existed for years, proactive enforcement has been inconsistent until recently, which may account for the resurgence of practices now being targeted by regulators.
Broader Enforcement Landscape
The crackdown on naira abuse is not entirely new. Over the past years, authorities have acted against a range of currency violations, from hawking of banknotes outside official channels to high-profile arrests for failed compliance with anti-abuse laws. For example, prominent Nigerian public figures have faced prosecution related to currency spraying and mutilation offences, illustrating that enforcement is no longer limited to anonymous offenders.
What Nigerians Should Know
To avoid falling foul of the law, financial experts recommend that citizens:
- Treat naira notes with care, avoiding any activity that could deface, destroy or impair their integrity.
- Refrain from creating decorative items with legal tender.
- Use non-currency alternatives for gifts or celebrations.
- Report suspected abuse through official channels or law enforcement agencies.
The CBN’s directive highlights a renewed focus on currency preservation and financial discipline, with authorities signalling that compliance will be taken seriously in courts and criminal proceedings.