The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned Nigerians to restrain from
defacing the Naira, describing such act as criminal and an affront on
national pride.
According to the apex bank, the Naira, like the National flag remains
a symbol of Nigeria’s nationhood and sovereignty, hence the need to
respect and preserve it.
The bank disclosed this on Thursday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital
during a programme tagged ” CBN Fair” with the theme : Promoting
Financial and Economic Stability ” which was specifically organised to
sanitise the residents on some of CBN policies and programmes.
Speaking at the event, the Director, Corporate Communications
Department of the bank, Mr Isaac Okorafor, who was represented by the
Assistant Director in the department, Mr Samuel Okogbue said spraying of
notes, squeezing and writing on it constitute grievous offences that
attract penalty in the face of law.
He, however, emphasised the need to develop the local manufacturing
industries and create employment for the teeming youths, as he implored
residents to be conscious of indigenous goods and be patriotic enough to
patronise it.
“We cannot continue to patronise foreign goods and expect the economy
to grow to the extent of accommodating our teeming unemployed youths;
we must start making our indigenous goods a priority in our choice of
demand”.
He further explained the concept of ‘Anchor Borrowers’ Programme’ of
the CBN as a way of reviving agriculture and initiating collaboration
with anchor companies that are into production and processing of key
agricultural commodities.
“The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme will help local farmers to increase
production and supply of feedstock to processors, reduce importation and
conserve Nigeria’s external reserves.
“Under the scheme, anchor firms serve as off-takers in recognition of
their track record and experience in working with out-growers involve
in production. The scheme involves a finance model whereby the anchor
firms, CBN, NIRSAL and state governments organise the out-growers and
ensure that they comply with contractual terms”, Okorafor said.