The Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has warned Nigerians against the growing trend of gifting money bouquets as Valentine’s Day approaches, describing the practice as a violation of Nigeria’s currency laws.
In a public notice shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the apex bank classified money bouquets as a form of naira abuse, placing it alongside other prohibited acts such as spraying, squeezing, selling, mutilating, and defacing banknotes.
A money bouquet typically involves folding banknotes into flower-like shapes and arranging them into decorative bouquets, a trend that has become increasingly popular during celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and especially Valentine’s Day.
“Protect the Naira”
In the flier shared online, the CBN reminded citizens of their responsibility to preserve the integrity of the national currency.
“It is your civic duty to protect the naira. Report naira abuse today,” the bank stated.
The warning comes amid heightened enforcement efforts by authorities to curb practices that damage or disrespect the naira, which the CBN says undermines public confidence in the currency and increases replacement costs.
Legal Consequences
Under the CBN Act, anyone found guilty of tampering with the naira—including through decorative use such as money bouquets—faces a minimum penalty of six months’ imprisonment, a fine of at least ₦50,000, or both.
The bank emphasized that the law applies regardless of intent, whether the act is done for celebration, entertainment, or personal expression.
Call to Report Offenders
The CBN also encouraged Nigerians to report cases of naira abuse, noting that enforcement agencies are stepping up monitoring nationwide. To support this, the apex bank provided toll-free hotlines for members of the public to report violations anonymously.
While the bank did not single out Valentine’s Day directly, the timing of the advisory—just days before the celebration—signals concern over the seasonal rise in money-related displays of affection.
Mixed Reactions
The warning has sparked conversations online, with some Nigerians supporting the move as necessary to protect the currency, while others questioned whether celebratory use of money should attract criminal penalties. Still, the CBN maintains that banknotes are legal tender, not decorative items, and should be treated with respect at all times.
As Valentine’s Day draws closer, Nigerians have been urged to express love in creative ways that do not involve damaging or reshaping the naira—reminding couples that romance does not have to come at the cost of breaking the law.
Source: Africa Publicity
