In short
Naira abuse is any act that damages or misuses Nigeria's banknotes and coins. Under Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 it includes spraying, dancing or stepping on naira notes; selling or trading notes and coins; and writing on, stapling, soiling or otherwise defacing them. It is punishable by imprisonment for at least six months, a fine of at least ₦50,000, or both.
What counts as naira abuse
The Central Bank of Nigeria groups naira abuse into three kinds of act:
- Spraying, dancing or stepping on the naira, at social occasions or anywhere else.
- Selling or trading naira notes or coins, for example selling bundles of crisp new notes for more than their face value.
- Mutilating, defacing or soiling the naira: writing on notes, stapling, tearing or excessively crumpling them.
The penalty
Under Section 21 of the CBN Act 2007, all acts of naira abuse are punishable by imprisonment for not less than six months, a fine of not less than ₦50,000, or both.
Everyday examples
| Naira abuse? | |
|---|---|
| Spraying naira notes at a wedding or party | Yes |
| Dancing or stepping on notes on the floor | Yes |
| Selling new naira notes for more than face value | Yes |
| Writing on a naira note | Yes |
| Stapling naira notes together | Yes |
| Sending a cash gift by bank transfer or payment app | No: no notes are involved |
| Spraying digitally with Nawó | No: no notes are involved |
Is it enforced?
Yes. In 2024 the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched a drive against all forms of naira abuse. An actress was sentenced to six months in February 2024 for spraying and stepping on new naira notes, and the EFCC said that year that 24 people had been convicted and about 200 faced prosecution.
Why the CBN cares
The Central Bank describes naira banknotes as symbols of national pride, and asks the public to handle them in a way that keeps them in good condition for longer. Notes that are sprayed, stepped on, stapled or written on wear out quickly and have to be replaced.
The alternatives
The CBN's own advice is: don't spray the naira; give cash gifts in envelopes or through electronic channels, such as mobile money, mobile or internet banking, POS or card payments.
Digital spraying is an electronic channel that keeps the fun of spraying: guests spray from their phones, the notes fall on screen, and the celebrant receives the money instantly. See how digital money spraying works, or how spraying at parties is affected by the law.
Frequently asked questions
Is spraying money naira abuse?
Yes. Spraying naira notes, at social occasions or otherwise, is naira abuse under Section 21 of the CBN Act 2007.
Is writing on the naira illegal?
Yes. Writing on naira notes is defacement, which is naira abuse under the CBN Act 2007.
Is it illegal to sell new naira notes?
Yes. Selling or trading naira notes or coins is naira abuse.
What is the fine for naira abuse?
At least ₦50,000, or imprisonment for at least six months, or both.
Is sending money by transfer or an app naira abuse?
No. Naira abuse is about banknotes and coins; electronic payments involve none, and the CBN recommends them as the alternative.
Sources
- Central Bank of Nigeria: Banknote handling practices
- BBC News: Spraying naira, Nigeria's wedding dilemma (2024)
- Channels TV: CBN to prosecute naira sellers, abusers (2023)
This guide is general information, not legal advice.
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