Our attention has again been drawn to reports of a scarcity of cash across some major
cities in the country despite assurances of sufficient cash stocks in all locations across
the country. There have also been reports of anxiety among some members of the
public over the legality or otherwise of old Naira banknotes.
For the avoidance of doubt, while reiterating that there are sufficient banknotes across
the country for all normal economic activity, we wish to state unambiguously that
every banknote issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) remains legal
tender and should not be rejected by anyone, as stipulated in Section 20(5) of
the CBN Act, 2007.
Accordingly, branches of the CBN across the country have been directed to continue
to issue different denominations of old and redesigned banknotes in adequate
quantities to deposit money banks (DMBs) for onward circulation to bank customers.
We wish to restate that all denominations of banknotes issued by the Central
Bank of Nigeria (CBN) remain legal tender. In line with Section 20(5) of the CBN
Act, 2007, no one should refuse to accept the Naira as a means of payment.
Consequently, members of the public are advised to accept all CBN-issued banknotes
currently in circulation and guard against panic withdrawals. We reaffirm that there is
sufficient stock of currency notes to facilitate normal economic activities.
Furthermore, to reduce the pressure on the use of physical cash, members of the
public are again advised to continue to embrace alternative modes of payment.
Isa AbdulMumin PhD
Director, Corporate Communications
November 8, 2023
