Nigeria Government Ban Cash Bouquets Ahead of 2026 Valentine
Nigeria Government Ban Cash Bouquets Ahead of 2026 Valentine
Nigeria Government Ban Cash Bouquets Ahead of 2026 Valentine. The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has reiterated its ban on the use of banknotes for decorative purposes, warning Nigerians against the growing trend of cash bouquets ahead of the 2026 Valentine’s Day celebrations.
In a public advisory released on Wednesday, the CBN stated that the practice of folding, stapling, spraying, or arranging naira notes into bouquets, towers, cakes, and other decorative items constitutes currency abuse and is illegal under Nigerian law. The apex bank emphasized that the naira is a legal tender meant strictly for financial transactions and must be treated with dignity and care.
According to the CBN, mutilating or defacing banknotes reduces their lifespan, increases the cost of currency replacement, and undermines public respect for the national currency. The bank noted that millions of naira are spent annually on printing new notes to replace damaged ones, a cost that ultimately affects the economy and taxpayers.
The CBN Act and other financial regulations criminalize the abuse of currency, including spraying, tearing, writing on, or altering banknotes. Offenders may face penalties such as fines, seizure of the abused currency, or prosecution, depending on the severity of the violation. The bank warned individuals, event planners, florists, and gift vendors to desist from promoting or engaging in the practice.
In recent years, cash bouquets have become a popular trend among young Nigerians, especially during Valentine’s Day, weddings, birthdays, and graduation ceremonies. Social media platforms have fueled the trend, with luxury cash arrangements often showcased as symbols of affection, wealth, and celebration. However, authorities and financial experts have expressed concern that the practice promotes the misuse of the naira and contributes to the rapid deterioration of banknotes in circulation.
The CBN encouraged Nigerians to adopt alternative and lawful ways of expressing love and appreciation during Valentine’s Day, such as traditional flower bouquets, thoughtful gifts, handwritten notes, or digital money transfers. It also called on the public to handle banknotes responsibly to preserve their quality and integrity.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the government urged citizens to comply with the directive, stressing that respect for the national currency is a collective responsibility. The CBN added that preserving the naira is not only a legal obligation but also a patriotic duty that reflects national pride and economic discipline.
