By Felicia Udeji
Nigerians are left in a state of confusion as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the House of Representatives present conflicting statements over the expiration date of old naira notes. While the House of Representatives insists on a deadline for the old N200, N500, and N1,000 notes to cease being legal tender by December 31, 2024, the CBN has denied any such deadline exists.
At a plenary session, the House urged the CBN to gradually withdraw the old notes, warning of potential chaos similar to the currency redesign crisis of early 2023. Afam Ogene, who moved the motion, expressed concern over the lack of public awareness and urged immediate action.
However, the CBN, represented by Acting Director of Corporate Communications Mrs. Sidi Hakama, countered the claims, stating that the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing the old naira notes to circulate indefinitely still stands. Hakama urged Nigerians to disregard any suggestion of a deadline and continue using both old and new notes as legal tender.
With both institutions providing conflicting information, the pressing question remains: *Which institution should the public believe?* As the uncertainty continues, Nigerians are left grappling with who to trust regarding the validity of their currency.