The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned that the reckless handling of bank notes is heavily inflating the cost of replacing defaced currency. The apex bank urged traders and residents to treat the legal tender with respect, noting that careless habits put an unnecessary financial strain on the nation’s treasury.

The warning was issued during a newly launched grassroots sensitisation campaign rolled out across major commercial hubs in Kano State. The initiative aims to educate daily cash handlers on proper currency preservation and curb deep-rooted habits that drastically shorten the lifespan of the nation`s bank notes.

Speaking at the Galadima Market, Ibrahim Yahya of the CBN’s Currency and Operations Department emphasized that the naira represents Nigeria’s sovereignty and national pride. He explained that both the apex bank and the Federal Government spend significant public funds annually to reprint notes that become prematurely dirty, worn out, or mutilated.

Yahya explained that markets were strategically chosen as the launchpad for this campaign because of their critical role in driving the state`s economy. He described Kano as a major commercial nerve centre where physical cash remains the primary medium of exchange for thousands of daily transactions.

According to the CBN official, traders are essential partners in currency preservation because they process large volumes of cash directly from consumers. By educating merchants to store and handle bills properly before depositing them into commercial banks, the apex bank hopes to cut down the circulation of damaged notes at the source.

The apex bank confirmed that the awareness drive will expand well beyond Galadima Market to ensure maximum coverage across the state. The ongoing sensitisation exercise is scheduled to hit other critical trading hubs, including Sabon Gari Market, Dawanau International Grains Market, Yankaba Market, Tarauni Market, Yan Lemo, and the Abattoir.

In his closing remarks, Yahya urged all citizens to handle the currency with "pride and dignity" as a matter of civic responsibility. He reminded the public that extending the lifespan of the naira directly saves taxpayers` money, allowing the government to redirect critical funds to other vital sectors of the economy.