The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has renewed its appeal to citizens to protect and preserve the dignity of the Naira, warning against all forms of currency abuse. The call came during the CBN Fair held in Maryland, Lagos, as part of the bank’s currency education and policy sensitisation drive.
The event, themed *Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development*, brought together market traders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, financial institutions, fintech innovators, consumer protection agencies, students, and youth groups. It aimed to strengthen public understanding of the bank’s policies and their role in driving sustainable economic growth.
CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, said the fair was designed to engage directly with stakeholders on initiatives that stimulate productivity, expand financial inclusion, and maintain monetary and price stability. She noted that under the leadership of Yemi Cardoso, the bank has implemented functional policies over the past 22 months to strengthen the financial system, boost foreign investment inflows, and achieve significant gains in financial inclusion rates.
She stressed that preserving the Naira’s dignity is a shared responsibility, urging the public to avoid acts such as commodifying or physically abusing the currency. According to her, CBN policies and innovations, including the promotion of alternative payment channels, are key to improving livelihoods and supporting Nigeria’s broader economic development goals.
