CBN warns Nigerians of fake naira notes in circulation

The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned Nigerians to beware of counterfeit naira notes in circulation amid reports of currency shortage in the country.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by CBN’s acting director of corporate communications, Hakama Sidi Ali.

The statement which was tagged, ‘Beware of Counterfeit Naira Banknotes in Circulation,’ advised Deposit Money Banks, Financial Houses, Bureau de Change, and the public to be vigilant and implement necessary precautions.

Ali said these counterfeit naira notes were mainly used for transactions in food markets and other commercial centres across the country and that any person found complicit in the circulation of the counterfeit currency would face severe sanctions.

The statement, in part, reads, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to the circulation of counterfeit banknotes, significantly higher denominations, by some individuals for transactions in food markets and other commercial centers across major cities in the country.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 20(4) of the CBN Act (2007) as amended, states that: “It shall be an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years for any person to falsify, make or counterfeit any bank note or coin issued by the Bank which is legal tender in Nigeria.”

“The CBN is constantly collaborating with relevant security and financial agencies to confiscate fake Naira banknotes and arrest and prosecute counterfeiters.

“Members of the public are also encouraged to report anyone suspected of having counterfeit naira notes to the nearest police station or branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Meanwhile, all Deposit Money Banks, Financial Houses and Bureau de Change and the general public are enjoined to be more vigilant and take all necessary precautionary measures to curtail the acceptance and distribution of counterfeit notes,” the statement reads.