The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised alarm over the circulation of “counterfeit banknotes.
This was made known in a statement released and signed by the Bank’s Acging Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali, Hakama.
In the statement on Friday, Mrs Hakama drew attention of Nigerians to Section 20(4) of the CBN Act (2007) as amended.
The Section states that : “It shall be an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years for any person to falsify, make or counterfeit any bank note or coin issued by the Bank which is legal tender in Nigeria.”
She added: “The CBN is in constant collaboration with relevant security and financial agencies to confiscate fake Naira banknotes, arrest and prosecute counterfeiters. Members of the public are also encouraged to report anyone suspected of having counterfeit naira notes to the nearest police station, branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria or via contactcbn@cbn.gov.ng.
“Meanwhile, all Deposit Money Banks, Financial Houses and Bureau de Change and the general public are enjoined to be more vigilant and take all necessary precautionary measures to curtail the acceptance and distribution of counterfeit notes.
“Furthermore, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, echannels, for day-to-day transactions to mitigate the risk of spreading counterfeit banknotes.”
