The Central Bank of Nigeria has raised an alarm concerning the circulation of counterfeit higher denomination banknotes in various major cities across the country, notably in food markets and commercial centers.
This information was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Acting Director for Corporate Communications at the CBN, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, on Friday, December 8, 2023.
Sidi Ali cautioned that counterfeiting any banknote or coin issued by the CBN constitutes a punishable offense, carrying a minimum imprisonment term of five years.
The apex bank emphasized its ongoing collaboration with pertinent security and financial agencies to seize fake naira notes, as well as apprehend and prosecute those responsible for their circulation.
The statement from CBN reads, ‘’The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to the circulation of counterfeit banknotes, especially higher denominations, by some individuals for transactions in food markets and other commercial centres 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 5 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 in constant collaboration with relevant security and financial agencies to confiscate fake Naira banknotes, 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, branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria or via contactcbn@cbn.gov.ng.
It added, ‘’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.
‘’Furthermore, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, echannels, for day-to-day transactions to mitigate the risk of spreading counterfeit banknotes.’’
