Cardoso Warns Naira Abuse Costs the Economy, Launches Ambassadors Club
By Aboki Forex —
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has warned that the abuse and mutilation of the Naira is costing the country money. He spoke at the launch of the CBN's Naira Ambassadors Club in Abuja.
Cardoso said the bank spends heavily to produce clean and secure banknotes. But this investment is wasted if the public does not handle the currency properly. He stated that damaged notes wear out faster, raising replacement costs and disrupting cash circulation.
“When banknotes are defaced, mutilated, or improperly handled, they deteriorate much faster than expected,” Cardoso said. “This increases replacement costs, disrupts the efficiency of currency circulation, and imposes avoidable financial burdens on the nation.”
The CBN governor described the Naira as more than just paper or polymer. He called it a symbol of Nigeria’s identity and a tool for trade, savings, and investment. He said every note carries portraits of distinguished Nigerians and security features that maintain public trust.
Cardoso inaugurated the club with 175 students from seven schools as pioneer members. He said the goal is to teach young Nigerians to respect the currency and to drive change in their communities. He added that lasting change starts with education, and young people can influence their families and schools.
“The Naira Ambassadors Club is founded on this conviction,” Cardoso said. “Through this platform, we seek to nurture a generation of young Nigerians who understand not only the value of money but also their responsibility to protect it.”