The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the availability of clean and well-mixed currency notes, urging Nigerians to treat the Naira as a symbol of national pride. The pledge was made by Mrs. Hakama Ali, Acting Director of the CBN’s Corporate Communications Department, during the CBN Special Day at the ongoing 20th Abuja International Trade Fair on Thursday. The fair, which started on September 25, will run until October 6 under the theme, “Sustainable: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation.”
Mrs. Ali emphasized that the CBN cannot achieve this goal alone, calling on citizens to act as ambassadors for clean Naira notes. “Respect it and keep it clean. Do not spray, hawk, mutilate, or counterfeit the Naira. Our Naira, Our Pride,” she said, highlighting that collective effort is crucial to overcoming economic challenges and promoting inclusive growth. The CBN continues to prioritize addressing Nigerians’ economic concerns while strengthening the resilience of the local economy.
The central bank’s approach to economic sustainability, according to Ali, rests on three pillars: robust financial systems, a stable foreign exchange market, and strong collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities. Recent efforts have led to an increase in Nigeria’s external reserves, which rose to $43.05 billion in September from $40.51 billion at the end of July 2025. The CBN also continues to monitor banks’ recapitalization processes, with 14 banks already meeting requirements, ensuring the financial system remains sound and resilient.
Highlighting the link between the trade fair and economic growth, Ali noted that CBN initiatives, including its Payme Systems Vision 2028, aim to modernize Nigeria’s payments ecosystem, broaden financial inclusion, and improve transaction security. The plan targets faster, safer, and more efficient payments, particularly in rural areas, while encouraging private sector investment and reducing barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Support for these initiatives was echoed by Mr. Agaidu Jideani, Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who described the CBN as a key enabler of business growth. According to Jideani, the bank’s role in stabilizing inflation, providing credit facilities, and fostering sectoral development in agriculture, healthcare, housing, and education has strengthened Nigeria’s economic competitiveness. The CBN’s commitment to innovation, youth empowerment, and financial inclusion, he added, is helping to create a more inclusive and resilient economy.
source: punch