The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has described the naira as one of the strongest currencies in the world in terms of security features, urging Nigerians to handle it with integrity.
The apex bank made the call during its flagship sensitisation programme, the CBN Fair, held in Lagos, to deepen financial inclusion and reinforce public trust in the currency.
Paul Onuoha, a senior official from the bank’s currency operations department, led an interactive session on detecting counterfeit notes and explained the security features embedded in the naira.
“Naira is one of the strongest currencies in the world when it comes to security features,” Onuoha said, while demonstrating techniques for spotting fake notes.
Themed “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development”, the fair drew entrepreneurs, fintech innovators, market leaders, students, and youth groups.
Hakama Sidi-Ali, acting director of the corporate communications department, urged the public to respect the currency by avoiding practices such as spraying, hawking, mutilating, or counterfeiting it.
She said the CBN, under Governor Olayemi Cardoso, remains committed to stimulating productivity, expanding financial access, and maintaining price stability.
Sunday Daibo, the Lagos branch controller, described the fair as a springboard for initiatives that would extend the benefits of alternative payment channels nationwide.
Other speakers discussed open banking, payment innovations, and the role of a strong naira in attracting investment.
