Find out what the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has decided for old N200, N500, and N1000 notes after December 31, 2023, due to cash shortages in some areas
The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced that the old N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes will remain legal tender even after the December 31, 2023 deadline. This decision was made in response to concerns raised by Nigerians about the scarcity of cash in some states.
The CBN Governor assured the public that both old and new banknotes can still be used for transactions. He also emphasized that the phasing out of the old notes will be a gradual process to avoid causing additional hardships for the people.
This announcement comes after the CBN had initially announced in March 2023 that the old banknotes would no longer be in circulation after the end of 2023. However, the initial directive to deposit old notes before January 31, 2023, led to cash shortages in February, causing hardships for citizens and prompting protests and attacks on banks in some parts of the country.
The CBN’s decision to allow the old naira notes to remain legal tender beyond the December deadline is a welcome relief for many Nigerians. It will provide stability and prevent further disruptions in the financial system. It will also ensure a smoother transition for both businesses and the public.
Why did the CBN initially set the December 31 deadline?
The CBN has stated that the naira redesign policy is aimed at addressing a number of challenges, including:
- Counterfeiting: The new naira notes have enhanced security features that make them more difficult to counterfeit.
- Currency hoarding: The CBN believes that the redesign will discourage people from hoarding large amounts of cash outside of the banking system.
- Corruption: The redesign is also expected to make it more difficult to use cash for illicit transactions.
What are the challenges of phasing out the old naira notes?
One of the main challenges is ensuring that there is enough of the new naira notes in circulation to meet the needs of the economy. The CBN has stated that it has been working with banks to distribute the new notes, but there have been reports of shortages in some parts of the country.
Another challenge is educating the public about the new naira notes and the deadline for phasing out the old notes. The CBN has launched a number of public awareness campaigns, but there is still some confusion among Nigerians about the process.
How can the CBN make the transition to the new naira notes smoother?
The CBN can make the transition to the new naira notes smoother by:
- Ensuring that there is enough of the new naira notes in circulation.
- Working with banks to improve the distribution of the new notes.
- Continuing to educate the public about the new naira notes and the deadline for phasing out the old notes.
- Considering extending the deadline for phasing out the old notes, if necessary.
The CBN’s decision to allow the old naira notes to remain legal tender beyond the December deadline is a positive step. However, it is important for the CBN to continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed to ensure a smooth transition to the new naira notes.
Source: https://www.cbn.gov.ng/