The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its stance against the abuse of the Nigerian currency, calling on citizens to uphold the dignity of the naira.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s spokesperson, emphasized that the ongoing crackdown on naira abuse aligns with the commission’s responsibilities. During an interview with News Central on Tuesday, he stressed the importance of treating the naira with respect, describing it as a vital symbol of the country’s economic strength.
While acknowledging positive changes in public behavior toward currency handling, Oyewale reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to tackling all forms of financial misconduct.
He stated:
“Now, there is a special task force against Naira abuse and dollarization of the economy. The CBN Act is very clear about it. The Naira is the symbol, it is strength of our economy, and it must not be abused in any form. Whether by spraying it, by stamping on it, by tearing it, by defacing it, any form of abuse, the CBN Act is against it, and the EFCC is enforcing the Act.
I’m sure you are aware that the Commission, as an anti-corruption agency in Nigeria, we have the power to enforce every extant law concerning economic and financial crime. The CBN Act, in this respect, is not an assumption, and we are enforcing it. I’m happy that you also have considered the fact that we are seeing behavioral changes in the way we undo our national currency. It is to the credit of what we are doing. And we want Nigerians to continue in that way. We must respect our national currency. It is a symbol of our economy. And as long as we do whatever we like with our national currency, you know it will have a kind of multiplier effect on the economy.
So, the leadership of this Commission today is committed to using the instrumentality of the anti-corruption to stimulate growth in the economy. And one of the ways of achieving that is to ensure that we pay premium respect to our national currency by not defacing it, by not abusing it, by not doing anything against it. And, of course, the economy will be robust for all of us. That is what the Commission is doing.”