Activist Urges National Assembly to Repeal Naira Abuse Law, Citing Cultural Disconnect

ABUJA, NIGERIA – Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has ignited a debate over the legality of spraying Naira notes at social events, calling on the National Assembly to repeal Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007. In an open letter addressed to the legislative body and obtained by Vanguard, Adeyanju argued that the strict enforcement of the law fails to distinguish between deliberate damage to the currency and deeply ingrained cultural expressions of joy and generosity.

Adeyanju’s letter resonates with a growing sentiment among Nigerians who view the spraying of money as a harmless and significant part of their cultural celebrations, including weddings, birthdays, funerals, and chieftaincy ceremonies. He emphasized that for many communities, this act transcends a mere display of wealth, serving as a “performative language of affection and cultural significance.”

The contentious Section 21 of the CBN Act criminalizes any form of tampering with the Naira, including spraying, writing on, stapling, or defacing the notes. While acknowledging the legislation’s presumed intention to safeguard the integrity of the national currency, Adeyanju pointed out the “troubling inconsistencies” and questions the “cultural context, proportionality in punishment, and the selective targeting of individuals” in its enforcement.

“What the law characterizes as abuse is, for millions of Nigerians, a legitimate form of celebration,” Adeyanju stated. He further argued that sprayed notes are often collected and reintroduced into circulation, questioning the law’s rigid stance that overlooks this nuance.

Drawing attention to the irony of the law’s application, Adeyanju suggested that the most significant wear and tear on the Naira occurs in everyday transactions within markets, religious institutions, and other public spaces, where notes are repeatedly handled and exchanged. He questioned whether gently placing a note on someone’s forehead during a celebration truly constitutes “tampering.”

“In seeking to protect the Naira, the law appears to be devaluing the rich cultural symbolism that gives money meaning beyond its economic function,” Adeyanju asserted. He cautioned against allowing law enforcement to become an instrument that erodes long-standing traditions and the cultural fabric of the nation.

Adeyanju’s call for legislative action echoes similar concerns raised by legal experts and cultural commentators in recent times following arrests and prosecutions related to Naira abuse. Many argue that the current interpretation of the law is overly broad and insensitive to cultural nuances.

In his letter, Adeyanju implored the National Assembly to:

1.Review and repeal or amend Section 21 of the CBN Act to align with Nigeria’s cultural realities.

2.Distinguish between destructive defacement and cultural practices like spraying money at events.

3.Ensure that enforcement mechanisms are just, proportional, and uniformly applied.

4.Promote public education around the responsible handling of currency rather than resorting to criminalization.

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Adeyanju expressed his willingness to collaborate with lawmakers, legal experts, and cultural leaders to develop a more inclusive legal framework that respects both cultural expression and the integrity of the Naira. He concluded by emphasizing the need for a legal system that honors the traditions of its people while safeguarding national interests, advocating for a balance between regulatory objectives and cultural realities.

The debate over Section 21 of the CBN Act highlights the complex intersection of law, culture, and tradition in Nigeria. As the National Assembly considers Adeyanju’s plea, it faces the challenge of reconciling the need to protect the national currency with the deeply rooted cultural practices of its citizens. The outcome of this deliberation could have significant implications for how Nigerians celebrate and express joy within their cultural contexts.