Despite ongoing efforts to clamp down on the sale and spraying of Naira notes, individuals and groups continue to flout the law intended to preserve the dignity of Nigeria’s currency, a press investigation has revealed.
According to Nigerian law, “spraying, dancing, or [marching] on the Naira or any notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria during social occasions is considered an abuse.” The penalty for such violations includes a prison term of at least six months, a fine of N50,000 (approximately $36 or £29), or both.
However, during a church event in Ikorodu, Lagos, in late August, our correspondent observed parishioners spraying Naira notes while dancing to Owambe music. Some of the crisp notes fell to the floor during the celebration. When confronted, one of the participants claimed, “I am not mutilating the Naira. As you saw, we were careful in spraying it, and our church host held it close to his chest. Only a few notes fell to the floor. We respect the EFCC’s orders; we are not committing an offense.”
At another event in Lekki, Lagos, new Naira notes in denominations of 500, 1000, and 200 were being sold openly. Vendors reportedly profited by charging N1,000 for every N10,000 worth of notes purchased, with some transactions earning as much as N1,500 in profit. Partygoers, wary of undercover officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), sprayed the notes cautiously to avoid detection.
Political analyst Derin Omowale has called on the EFCC to intensify its enforcement of the law prohibiting the spraying of Naira notes at social gatherings. He urged the agency to expand its reach and educate the public about the importance of respecting the national currency. “A law exists to prevent the mishandling of the Naira. Citizens should follow it, but when our leaders and public figures violate these rules, it sends the wrong message. More education is needed to highlight the significance of treating the Naira with care,” Omowale said.
Notably, social media influencers Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, and Cubana Chief Priest were previously arrested for violating the Naira handling law. Bobrisky, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to six months in prison, which he served at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility in Lagos.
