In recent months, Lagos has become the epicenter of a stringent crackdown on naira spraying at social gatherings, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensifies its campaign to protect the sanctity of Nigeria’s currency. Leading the charge, the EFCC has begun prosecuting offenders in a wave of high-profile cases that highlight the government’s renewed zeal for enforcing currency laws.

In April 2025, popular Lagos socialite Emeka Okonkwo, widely known as E-Money, landed in police custody for allegedly spraying both naira and US dollars at public events—an act considered a breach of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) legal provisions. That same month, two influencers, Tobilola Olamide (TobiNation) and Peter Olaitan (TDollar), faced conviction and a six-month jail sentence—alternatively, a fine—for spraying naira notes at an event in Lagos. Their arrests came after viral TikTok videos prompted EFCC investigations.

These incidents illustrate the state’s escalating resolve to curb currency abuse under the CBN Act—especially amid mounting concerns over inflation, devaluation, and economic instability.

High-Profile Arrests Signal a New Era of Enforcement

Lagos isn’t the only hotspot. Across Nigeria, other prominent figures have found themselves entangled in similar legal webs. In April 2024, Idris Okuneye (popularly known as Bobrisky) received a six-month prison term after being arrested for spraying naira at Lagos events. Similarly, actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was arrested in February 2023 for spraying and stepping on new naira notes during a wedding; she, too, received a six-month sentence with an option to pay a fine. A Kano-based makeup artist, Abdullahi Huseini (Amuscap), faced identical punishment for spraying naira at his own wedding.

Even businessman Cubana Chief Priest was arrested under the same laws. Clearly, the government is showcasing its commitment to punishing violators and preserving the naira’s value. This enforcement drive deserves commendation, but it also raises a deeper question: can we say the same about the government’s efforts against political corruption or insecurity?

The Economic Argument: A Justifiable Cause

The CBN insists that protecting the naira from abuse holds long-term economic benefits. According to a 2021 Daily Post report, Akin Adewale, a banker from a first-generation institution, emphasized the cost implications of mutilating the currency. He explained that repeated reprinting due to torn or defaced notes imposes a significant financial burden on the economy. When notes become unusable too quickly, the government must replace them more often—driving up inflationary pressures.

Indeed, anyone living in Nigeria since 2021 can clearly trace the correlation between the currency’s devaluation and rising inflation. From this perspective, the government’s campaign to protect the naira appears both economically prudent and globally aligned.

But What About the Cultural Context?

Despite this economic logic, criminalizing naira spraying without acknowledging its cultural depth risks eroding a cherished form of social expression. In Yoruba traditions, spraying money serves as a visible gesture of respect, honor, and celebration. It signifies joy, community support, and the elevation of social status. Similarly, among the Igbo, the act conveys solidarity and communal pride. The Hausa-Fulani, while less inclined to spray money, share similar customs of generosity during festivities. Across ethnic lines, spraying naira at events symbolizes abundance and communal goodwill.

To many Nigerians, this is more than just a tradition; it is a social language that binds people together. Therefore, enforcing the law without cultural sensitivity risks weakening the communal bonds that define celebrations in Nigerian society.

Global Practices vs. Local Realities

Yes, Nigeria is not alone in penalizing currency abuse. Countries such as Singapore, Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom impose fines or prison terms for defacing currency. Their laws underscore the universal understanding that currency represents not only economic value but also national identity and stability.

Nigeria’s Central Bank Act aligns with this global principle. However, applying the law in Nigeria’s unique sociocultural setting requires nuance. Otherwise, we risk enforcing foreign standards without accommodating local traditions.

Political Impunity and Selective Enforcement

Another layer of concern is the apparent inequality in law enforcement. While the EFCC swiftly arrests and convicts entertainers and ordinary citizens, political elites often enjoy impunity.

A glaring example is the viral video of ex-militant leader Thomas Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, celebrating his 54th birthday in April. During the event, attendees sprayed N1,000 notes freely, stepping on them in the process—clear violations under Nigerian law. Following widespread outrage, the EFCC promised an investigation in May, vowing that “nobody is above the law.” Yet, as of late June, the commission had released no further updates.

If such cases involving politically connected individuals stall or vanish without resolution, how can the public believe that the naira crackdown is sincere and not selective? This raises an important question: why does the government act swiftly against currency spraying but move slowly—if at all—against those involved in looting public funds, enabling insecurity, or undermining governance?

Striking a Balanced Path Forward

Nigerians must protect their currency, but they must also protect their cultural heritage. Rather than completely outlawing naira spraying, the government should consider regulated alternatives and robust public education.

For instance, ceremonies could adopt controlled methods—spraying from a distance, using fresh notes that remain undamaged, or even introducing token systems or digital equivalents that honor tradition without violating the law. These innovations would allow communities to retain the celebratory spirit while minimizing harm to the naira’s integrity.

Public awareness campaigns should also inform citizens of the legal and economic consequences of currency abuse. With better understanding, individuals might show greater care in upholding the naira’s value, even during festive moments.

A Call for Broader Justice and Reform

Ultimately, Nigeria cannot afford to focus only on naira spraying while neglecting more pressing challenges. Currency integrity matters—but so does public accountability, anti-corruption enforcement, and national security. Leaders must uphold the rule of law equally, whether the violator is a celebrity or a governor. Until Nigeria applies justice consistently across all sectors, this campaign may appear more cosmetic than consequential.

True reform requires more than showmanship. It requires courage to confront political abuse, discipline to improve governance, and empathy to engage with cultural traditions meaningfully.