CBN approves 5.71 billion banknotes for 2025, 20.5% more than last year
By Aboki Forex —
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved the production of 5.71 billion banknotes in 2025, a 20.5% increase from the 4.74 billion notes approved in 2024. The figures are contained in the CBN’s 2025 Annual Report and Statement of Accounts.
The approval shows the apex bank is working to meet rising demand for physical cash, even as digital payments and electronic banking continue to grow across the country.
Local mint gets 35% of order, foreign printers handle the rest
The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM) was allocated an order for two billion banknotes, or about 35% of the total approved volume. Foreign High Security Printers (HSPs) were assigned the remaining 65%.
By December 31, 2025, the NSPM had supplied 1.24 billion banknotes valued at N368.83 billion. That represents 62% of its assigned target. About 760.76 million notes, or 38% of the local mint’s allocation, had not been delivered by year end.
Foreign printers, meanwhile, completed production and delivery of 2.21 billion banknotes in the N1,000, N500 and N200 denominations during the year. The CBN also awarded foreign printers an additional contract for 1.5 billion banknotes in November 2025. Production of that supplementary order was still ongoing as of December 31.
60% of total approved notes delivered by December
Combined, at least 3.45 billion banknotes had been delivered by the end of 2025, roughly 60% of the total volume approved by the CBN. The balance was still expected from the NSPM and foreign printers under the additional production contract.
The expanded currency programme underscores the continued importance of cash in Nigeria’s economy. The additional notes are expected to help replace damaged and worn-out currency, satisfy higher cash demand during peak periods, and ensure commercial banks maintain adequate cash supplies for customers.
What this means for the naira and Nigerian businesses
The figures highlight a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s currency management: heavy reliance on foreign printers to meet domestic banknote requirements. While the CBN pushes for a more digital financial system, the 20.5% jump in approved printing shows cash remains a central part of everyday transactions. For consumers and businesses, the increased supply should ease cash shortages at banks and ATMs, but the dependence on overseas capacity raises questions about cost and security of the currency supply chain.