In recent years, Nigeria has taken bold steps to protect the dignity of its national currency, the naira. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has intensified efforts to enforce laws against the abuse of naira notes. While the objective—preserving the value and integrity of the currency—is commendable, one particular aspect of this campaign continues to stir public debate: the blanket criminalisation of spraying money at social events.
Under current interpretations of the Naira Abuse Act, spraying naira during celebrations such as weddings, funerals, and traditional ceremonies is considered a punishable offense. The law targets actions believed to disrespect the naira, including currency mutilation and improper handling. However, this strict approach directly clashes with long-held cultural practices cherished by many communities across the country.
Spraying Naira: A Deep Cultural Tradition, Not an Act of Disrespect
In Nigerian society—especially among the Yoruba, Igbo, Benin, and other ethnic groups—spraying money is more than a flashy display. It is a heartfelt expression of happiness, celebration, and communal support. It is a way to honour individuals, mark joyous occasions, and energise gatherings. Criminalising this tradition without consideration of its cultural meaning risks alienating the very people the law intends to serve.
This is not to suggest that naira notes should be tossed recklessly or damaged. Currency abuse—such as stepping on notes, letting them scatter on the ground, or soiling them—must certainly be discouraged. However, we must distinguish between cultural celebration and carelessness. When done respectfully, spraying naira should be regulated, not criminalised.
Moving From Prohibition to Practical Regulation
To protect both the naira and Nigerian cultural identity, lawmakers must adopt a more balanced approach. Instead of banning spraying altogether, they should amend the law to provide space for cultural expression while enforcing standards that protect the currency from damage. Here are key steps to consider:
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Promote Regulation Instead of Outright Ban:
Spraying naira can be allowed within a regulated framework. For example, event venues could be required to use designated money handlers or collection systems that prevent notes from being thrown to the ground. This preserves the spirit of the tradition while maintaining respect for the currency. -
Invest in Public Education Campaigns:
Instead of harsh crackdowns, the CBN can work with traditional leaders, community influencers, and event planners to educate the public on respectful ways to celebrate. Alternatives like “money bouquets,” digital transfers (such as mobile apps or QR codes), or “spray wallets” that release naira neatly could be promoted. -
Clearly Define What Constitutes Abuse:
The current law needs more clarity. Abuse should be defined as actions that deface, tear, dirty, or trample on the naira. In contrast, controlled spraying—when notes are not damaged—should be legally permitted under cultural exemptions. -
Introduce Conditional Cultural Exemptions:
Just as tax laws provide exemptions for certain activities, the Naira Abuse Act should allow ceremonial spraying under strict conditions. These could include using clean notes, ensuring notes are not stepped on, and collecting them immediately after spraying.
The Need for Legislative Engagement and Cultural Understanding
The National Assembly must approach this issue with sensitivity and foresight. A law that criminalises common cultural expressions of joy, honour, and unity risks alienating citizens and fueling resentment toward state institutions. Instead of imposing a rigid law disconnected from daily life, lawmakers should engage with traditional rulers, cultural experts, sociologists, and legal practitioners to create an inclusive legal framework.
Moreover, enforcement of the current law has exposed another problem—unequal application. In many cases, arrests and public shaming target ordinary citizens and entertainers, while elites or politicians engaging in similar practices go unpunished. This creates a perception of selective justice, further eroding public trust.
The Role of Law Enforcement and the Judiciary
Law enforcement agencies must also exercise discretion. Spraying naira during a celebration is not a criminal act in itself unless it leads to currency damage. Enforcement officers should be trained to distinguish between celebratory customs and actual violations. Where violations occur, penalties should be proportionate and focused on education rather than humiliation.
Learning From Global Examples
Other countries offer useful models. In India and China, currency defacement is illegal, but cultural traditions involving money-giving are still respected. In the United States, it’s illegal to damage money, but giving out dollar bills at weddings or during party dances is a normal and accepted custom.
Nigeria can adopt a similar approach—discouraging abuse while allowing cultural traditions to flourish under responsible guidelines. This way, the country protects its currency without suppressing the cultural practices that define its social life.
Cultural Heritage and Currency Integrity Can Coexist
Nigeria’s diverse cultural traditions should not be sacrificed on the altar of strict regulation. Laws that ignore cultural realities are bound to create friction between citizens and the state. The goal should be to promote a legal environment that values both fiscal responsibility and cultural identity.
By amending the Naira Abuse Bill, the National Assembly has the opportunity to show legislative maturity. Such a move would acknowledge that laws must evolve to reflect the values, practices, and diversity of the society they serve.
Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Reform
Protecting the naira is undeniably important—but so is protecting Nigeria’s cultural soul. Spraying money, when done respectfully and responsibly, should not be a crime. It should be embraced as part of the country’s social fabric.
The law must reflect this balance. Rather than outlawing cultural joy, it should guide how that joy is expressed in ways that uphold both tradition and national integrity. Nigeria can—and must—protect its currency without criminalising its culture.
