CBN Declares “Money Bouquet” a Naira Abuse Offence, Warns of Jail Term or ₦50,000 Fine

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially classified the use of “money bouquets” as a form of naira abuse, warning Nigerians that the practice now falls under punishable offences involving the mishandling of the country’s currency.





The apex bank made this clarification while reiterating its commitment to protecting the integrity and value of the naira. According to the CBN, arranging banknotes into bouquets — a trend commonly seen at weddings, birthdays, and social celebrations — constitutes abuse of the national currency.

The bank explained that the practice violates provisions of the CBN Act, which criminalises acts such as spraying, squeezing, mutilating, defacing, selling, or otherwise tampering with naira notes.

Under the law, offenders risk a minimum of six months imprisonment, a fine of not less than ₦50,000, or both penalties.

The CBN stressed that the naira is a national symbol that must be treated with dignity and respect, warning that cultural or celebratory practices do not excuse acts considered harmful to the currency.

In recent months, enforcement agencies have intensified actions against naira abuse across the country, particularly at social events where cash spraying and decorative use of banknotes have become widespread.

The central bank also urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report cases of naira abuse to the appropriate authorities, noting that protecting the currency is a collective responsibility.