The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has alerted Nigerians of counterfeit Naira notes currently in circulation across the country.
The apex bank said that unscrupulous individuals are using the higher denominations of the nation’s currency to transact in food markets and other commercial centres across major cities in the country.
In a statement by the bank’s acting Director in the Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Sidi Hakama, the CBN cited Section 20 (4) of the CBN Act (2007) as amended, which 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 said that it is in constant collaboration with relevant security and financial agencies to confiscate fake naira banknotes, arrest and prosecute counterfeiters.
The statement reads: “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.
“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, e-channels, for day-to-day transactions to mitigate the risk of spreading counterfeit banknotes.”
