Just days before love fills the air, Nigeria’s financial watchdog has issued a firm reminder that expressions of affection must respect the law.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated its ban on the use of naira notes for decorative purposes—specifically targeting the increasingly popular trend of money bouquets, cash towers, and currency-studded cakes ahead of the 2026 Valentine’s season.
Authorities describe these practices as a direct violation of the CBN Act 2007, which prohibits the tampering, defacing, mutilation, or improper handling of the national currency.
Whether folded into floral arrangements, stapled into towers, or sprayed across dance floors, the naira remains legal tender—not craft material .”We have observed a growing commercial trend during festive periods where banknotes are folded, stapled, and reshaped for aesthetic gifting,” a CBN official stated.
This constitutes currency abuse and undermines the integrity of our national symbol” .The law is unequivocal. Section 21 of the CBN Act prescribes a penalty of not less than six months imprisonment or a fine of at least ₦50,000 or both for anyone convicted of abusing the naira .
This applies to spraying, squeezing, writing on, dancing on, or mutilating banknotes in any form .The timing of this reinforcement days to Valentine’s has ignited fierce debate across Nigerian social media.
While some applaud the preservation of currency dignity, others question the government’s priorities amid deeper economic struggles .”So creative gifts are suddenly a national threat while inflation and unemployment rage?” asked one X user, capturing widespread skepticism.
Another countered: “Respect for the naira should come before seasonal excitement. The law is the law” .Humorous takes have also flooded timelines. “This ban is a win for single people,” joked one commentator. “At least we won’t be flooded with bouquets we didn’t receive. This is not new enforcement—it is reinforcement.
The CBN first classified money bouquets as currency abuse in February 2023 . High-profile prosecutions have followed, including actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, sentenced to six months imprisonment in 2024 for spraying and stepping on naira notes .
Socialite Bobrisky faced similar consequences weeks later .Legal experts note a critical distinction: the CBN Act applies strictly to the naira. Abuse of foreign currencies— ollars, pounds, euros remains outside Nigeria’s prosecutorial jurisdiction .
The CBN emphasizes that the directive is not anti-celebration but pro-currency integrity. Nigerians are encouraged to explore alternatives: electronic transfers, gift cards, flower bouquets (real ones), or simply handing cash discreetly in envelopes untampered, unfolded, and dignified.
As Valentine’s 2026 arrives, florists may see a surge, and card sellers may rejoice. But for those tempted to craft that elaborate naira rose, the message is clear: love may be priceless, but defacing the naira carries a very specific price tag and possibly, a jail cell.