Nigeria’s central bank has reportedly warned against the use of banknotes in decorative “cash bouquets”, saying the practice could breach laws protecting the national currency.
The CBN made this known in a flier shared on its Twitter handle that listed forms of abusing the naira.
The move comes just days before Valentine’s Day, when some Nigerians gift arrangements made from folded naira notes as a display of affection.
According to reports, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) considers the practice a form of defacing or mishandling the currency, which is prohibited under the CBN Act.
Under the law, anyone found guilty of tampering with or improperly handling the naira could face a minimum of six months in prison, a fine of at least 50,000 naira (about $), or both.
The CBN says the regulation is intended to safeguard the integrity of the national currency and prevent abuse.
Although the bank has not announced a new policy specifically targeting Valentine’s gifts, it has repeatedly warned Nigerians against spraying, stamping, writing on, or otherwise damaging banknotes at social events.
Reports suggest enforcement agencies have been urged to monitor violations nationwide, raising concerns among some people who had planned to give cash bouquets during the celebrations.
