By Bukola Olasanmi
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says Nigerians caught abusing the Naira could end up in jail.
It warned that those who spray and step on the Naira, especially at social gatherings, are liable to six months imprisonment or a fine of N50,000.
Section 21(3) of the CBN Act 2007 says mishandling the Naira is a punishable offence.
Principal Manager, Currency Operations Department at the CBN, Ngozi Etim, who gave the warning, said the CBN was working with the police, the FIRS, the EFCC and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to curb the abuse.
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She condemned the “spraying” of money in public, adding that the envelope remains the best and acceptable means of extending goodwill at events.
“Money should not be squeezed but be put in envelopes. Oil should not be allowed to touch money; keep it neat like you keep your clothes.
“You do not dirty your clothes and you do not keep your clothes on the ground, so, there is need to keep our Naira well,” she said.