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N5,000 Note: Mixed Reactions Trail CBN Decision
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to introduce into
circulation a single N5,000 currency note by early 2013, has generated mixed
reactions from financial experts across the state, who see the move as a
contradiction of much publicised cashless policy.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt last
Friday, the former Head of Department, Banking and Finance and Senior Lecturer,
University of Port Harcourt, Dr Prince Nwakanma said the pronouncement by CBN
last week is a contradiction of the
cashless policy which the apex bank is yet to fully enforce.
Dr Nwakanma said cashless policy encourages lower
denomination in circulation, wondering why the N5,000 note should be introduced
now when naira has lost considerable value.
‘What CBN should be thinking is how to raise the value of
naira like other countries”, he said, noting that, there is no wisdom in that
introduction, which definitely will fuel inflation with adverse effects on our
economy.
He stated that by the policy, CBN only aims to reduce the
cost of printing the naira.
The General Manager, Hencon Group of Companies, Mr Silas
Igwe in his opinion, aligned with Dr Nwakanma, adding that the cashless policy
will reduce inflation, armed robbery and indiscipline on the part of leaders
who lack accountability and probity.
Igwe, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Nigeria (ICAN) warned that the reference made by CBN to USA and other developed
countries’ economies is a clear evidence
that ‘we are treading on a dangerous
ground, adding that “ for every monetary policy there is an effect on the
economy.
He noted that the re-introduction of the coin amounts to
policy inconsistency on the part of CBN, which according to him, had
de-emphasised the policy, saying I think
there is confusion in the system”.
In a related development, the Project Director, BroadBase
Engineering Services Limited, Mr Temple Nwichi has said the policy is a conduit
through which the political elite plans to siphon the Nigerian economy and
pocket the entire money in circulation, using a very small bag”.
Nwichi, also a financial expert noted that aside
contradicting the cashless policy, CBN should know that conversion of currency
notes to coin is a sure way of
eliminating them from circulation”.
He called on CBN to withdraw the N1,000 note in circulation
and go back to what the former CBN Governor, Chukwuma Soludo planned to do to
strengthen Nigerian currency, adding that those listed for immortalisation
should be honoured through other means.
But on the contrary, the Special Adviser to the Rivers State
Governor on Special Projects, Mr Austine Nwakoh expressed satisfaction with the introduction of the
N5,000 note, adding that most developed countries even have higher currency
denominations which are also in circulation.
Nwakoh stressed the need for CBN to enforce the use of coins
by Nigerians, pointing out that the use
of coins has a multiplier effect on the
economy.
Meanwhile, Nigeria‘s foremost opposition party, Action Congress
of Nigeria(ACN) has asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to have a rethink
on its intention to introduce the N5,000 note as the highest denominated legal
tender in Nigeria by year 2013, stressing that its demerits far outweigh the
merit.
In a statement issued in Lagos, yesterday, by its National
Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party warned that though the
introduction of this new high denomination may serve the dual purpose of
raising revenue for government on the one hand and reduce the cost of
transactions on the other hand, the unintended consequences and collateral
damage of introducing the N5,000 may far outweigh the benefits of the new
measure .
According to the party, there is a strong historical
evidence that the introduction of higher and higher face value currency notes
in an economy often signifies a regime of increased and sustained fiscal
deficit financing.
The party said the issuance of such high value currency
notes is likely to be perceived as an indication of government’s failure to
effectively control inflation.
The party stated that the issuance of the N5,000 currency
note runs counter to the recent policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria to
promote a “cashless” economy by encouraging the increased use of non-cash transaction
instruments.
“This policy which is aimed at reducing the use of cash had
been justified by the need to reduce the burden of the cost of printing and
distributing currency notes. The introduction of a high face value currency
note actually does the opposite because by reducing the unit cost of printing
and transportation, it actually would promote the use of cash.
He further stated that the issuance of the new N5,000
currency note also runs counter to the government’s often repeated commitment
to fight corruption. It is widely recognised that large scale corruption tends
to be facilitated by the ease with which unrecorded and large cash transactions
can be made,” the party stressed.
The party, said, the introduction of the denomination would
lead to increased illegal/criminal, drug related and terrorist activities, as
well as money laundering. “The ease with which the new N5,000 currency notes
can be transported will make it an ideal instrument for the facilitation of
these undesirable activities,” the party said adding that the close
relationship between inflation and the issuance of high value currency notes is
perhaps best illustrated with real life experiences of a number of countries
including Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Poland, Angola, Zaire/DRC and Zimbabwe, and
called for policy reversal.
However, some politicians have advised the Central Bank of
Nigeria (CBN) to do a thorough cost and effect analysis of the planned
introduction of the N5,000 note early next year on the economy.
The politicians, who spoke in separate interviews with
newsmen in Lagos yesterday, also urged the apex bank to carry Nigerians along
in the processes leading to the implementation of the policy.
Our correspondent recalls that the CBN Governor, Sanusi
Lamido Sanusi last Thursday announced the planned introduction of the N5,000
note and the conversion of N5, N10, N20 and N50 notes to coins.
Sanusi said that new currency would be introduced early next
year under the CBN’s currency re-design programme tagged ‘Project Cure.’
Similarly, a chieftain of the Congress for Progressive
Change (CPC), Mr Denis Aghanya, also
urged the CBN to educate the people for better understanding of the advantages
of introducing the N5,000 note.
“There is need for CBN to educate Nigerians for them to know
that the introduction of the N5,000 note is in order because we need to reduce
the volume of cash in circulation and possibly imbibe the cashless economy.’’
He, however, said that the conversion of the lowest
denominations to coins would not work because Nigerians would abuse it and melt
it into aluminium products.
The Secretary of the Campaign for Constitutionalism and
Human Rights (CCHR), Mr Toyin Raheem, an
NGO, also said that government needed to enlighten the people before
introducing a new denomination.
According to him, the introduction of a higher naira
denomination always brings about unanticipated challenges.
“The government needs to assure us that this new N5,000 note
will not cause inflation because we believe that this is the genesis of
inflationary trend,’’ he said.
He expressed doubts that the introduction of coins would go
down with majority of Nigerians, noting the fate of the existing ones.
However, the National Publicity Secretary of the Advanced
Congress of Democrats (ACD), Dr Breakforth Abraham said he was not in support
of the introduction of the new denomination.
“The N5,000 note will do Nigerians bad than good as it will
devalue our currency and fuel inflation.’’
He argued that the CBN had not deemed it fit to enforce the
usage of the existing coins, the hence the conversion of smaller notes to coins
would not work.
The Deputy National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy
(AD), Alhaji Musa Umar, also flayed the
introduction of N 5,000 note.
“The proposed introduction of N5,000 note is a surrender
move by the CBN to the inflationary assault on the economy.
“This is an indication that we are losing the economic
battle and mega inflation is foreseeable,’’ he said.
Umar advised that the economy be diversified to return peace
and stability to the polity so as to pave way for foreign direct investments.
“The case of Zimbawe really depicts more graphically how
rapidly things can get out of control on the introduction of high value
denomination currency notes. On the 5th of May, 2007, Zimbabwe issued currency
notes with face values of Z$100million and Z$250 million. On 15 May 2007 a new
bank note of Z$500million was issued, followed by the issue on 20th May 2007 of
currency notes in denominations of Z$5billion, Z$25 billion, and Z$50 billion.
Finally, on 21 July 2007, bank notes with a face value of Z$100 billion were
issued.
“Eventually, Zimbabwe abandoned its own currency and
legalised the use of only foreign currencies. Curiously enough already in
certain places in Nigeria today the American dollar is the accepted legal
tender. In conclusion the party warned that the introduction of the five
thousand Naira currency note may be a step in the wrong direction, and down a
slippery slope towards hyper -inflation and that it is time to abandon failed
inflation-control policies and inadequately thought- through experiments,” the
party recalled.
A group of Eminent persons from the Niger Delta region under the aegis of The Niger Delta Watch Dog has warned the Federal Government against yielding to the call to decentralize pipeline surveillance in the region.
The Eminent persons who said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt said those calling for decentralization of pipeline surveillance are ignorant of the dangers it poses to the peace and stability of the Niger Delta.
.They argued that the proposal poses significant risk to the peace security and economic stability of the region.
According to the release” While decentralization is often perceived as a means of promoting inclusivity and local participation, in this specific context it poses significant risks to peace, security, and economic stability.
It further said”evidence from community dynamics across the region suggests that decentralization will cause more harm than good, leading to increased conflict, fragmentation of authority, and heightened threats to critical national infrastructure.
“By contrast, the centralized model currently implemented by Tantita Security Services under the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo Tompolo has demonstrated measurable success in stabilizing the region, reducing conflict, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifelines”
While describing the Niger Delta region as the backbone of Nigeria oil and gas, it added that any changes in policy will lead to crisis in the region.
“The Niger Delta region remains the backbone of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, hosting extensive pipeline networks that are vital to national revenue and economic sustainability.
“Given the sensitive nature of this infrastructure, the framework through which pipeline security is managed must prioritize stability, coordination, and conflict prevention.
“Any policy shift particularly toward decentralization must therefore be carefully evaluated in light of the region’s socio-political realities”
It said
The release jointly signed by Chief Idowu Asonja ,Ellington Pokumo the Public Relations officer of the group Comrade Douye kojo Isoun and others,
said decentralization will lead to escalation of Inter-Community land dispute, intensifies rivalry between groups as well as heightens the struggle against Territorial control among others.
“Decentralizing pipeline security will likely intensify existing disputes between neighbouring communities as many communities in the Niger Delta have been involved in conflicts over Land ownership and territorial boundaries as well as Control of natural resources and
“Claims over oil pipelines passing through their territories” adding
“Such instability not only disrupts social harmony but also directly endangers pipeline infrastructure, increasing the risk of vandalism, sabotage, and production losses”
It said the gains recorded so far by the present centralization policy should be preserve as any shifts could wrecked havoc in the region.
“Any policy shift must preserve these hard-earned gains. At this time, decentralization presents a significant risk, while the current system continues to offer stability, security, and economic assurance for the nation.
“It is therefore strongly advised that the Federal Government of Nigeria carefully scrutinize and ultimately disregard calls for the decentralization of pipeline security contracts. “Available evidence and prevailing realities suggest that such calls may not be driven by the broader national interest, but rather by narrow, self-serving agendas that could reignite conflict within the region, this we know the Government does not need” the group said
The Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA), Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, has used the platform of the revived BRACED Commission to unveil investment opportunities and plans in Rivers State.
The BRACED Commission just bounced back and has already held a roundtable in Port Harcourt preparatory to an economic summit in the near future.
The roundtable featured the investment promotion agencies of the cooperating states: Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta states.
Dr Peterside not only chaired the roundtable but made presentations for Rivers State economic landscape.
He hailed the rebound of the BRACED Commission which did well at the onset. “The governors of the region were one and united for one cause. Then, politics came and everything scattered. The agenda is simple, to integrate the economy of the region into one strong bloc.”
He admitted that Rivers State’s investment promotion agency is very young, plus six months in the limbo of state of emergency. “This thus is a very unique opportunity to get resurgent momentum.”
He listed the achievements of RSIPA in the short period since its establishment, saying it has received numerous investment proposals.
“We’ve engaged actively with the private sector, both those currently operating in the state and those intending to invest. We do realize the fact that investment begins from domestic investors. and you have to guide them.
“Through outreach programmes and establishment of a One-Stop-Center (OSC), we have created a streamlined system for addressing investor needs, supporting their business operations. For the first time in Rivers State, prospective investors and small and medium enterprises now have a centralized hub that can address their challenges and find solutions that enable them to thrive.”
He outlined the plans ahead thus: “One of our cardinal focuses at RSIPA is to enhance the operating climate and improve the ease of doing business.
“We are committed to creating a vibrant and business-friendly environment that attracts and retains investment. We are also working closely with other ministries, departments, and agencies to harmonize our activities.
“Collaboration for us is key; we see Rivers State as a single ecosystem where all stakeholders work together to support investment inflow and build a favorable environment for businesses to flourish.”
For the region, he lamented the situation whereby “the carpet is shifting under our feet. The IOCs (international oil corporations) have moved offshore. The issue before us now is how should the region act now. We should target big ticket investment proposals. This is because some proposals will involve other states. There is thus need to collaborate.”
He gave examples of projects that cannot be for one state. “Railway system is not for one state. At the moment, there is no railway line that links Benin to Port Harcourt to Calabar. BRACED can push this agenda.
“There is an oil route from Opobo to Akwa Ibom where Sterling Oil is operating. It’s a route of interest. Governor Sim Fubara wants us to synergise with other states economically. The best time is now because all the governors are now in one political party.”
He called on all the agencies in the BRACED states to sell the idea to their governors.
“Let the governors know that BRACED task is not a competition but as a collaboration. We have the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SSCCIMA), the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines, and Agriculture (NDCCITMA), etc. This is the ripest time to strike the iron.”
The Director General of the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Mrs. Patience Ranami Abah, also shook the floor when she presented what she termed ‘Closing the Value Capture Gap’.
She showed how the states will win bigger by playing together to present an economic front.
David Franklin, a deputy director, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Abuja, said investment in people is the beginning of prosperity.
“The South-South is the hub of power of Nigeria due to the hydrocarbon industry, blue economy, agriculture, tourism, etc.”
The Director General, BRACED Commission, Amb.Joe Keshi, in his welcome remarks, said the roundtable was themed around synchrosnising investment frontiers in a strategic framework for south-south economic integration.
The roundtable ended with a communique that recommended setting up a monitoring committee, and other organs to drive integration and investment.
Some of the key resolutions in the Communique issued at the end of the two-day symposium included the call for a BRACED Investment Promotion Charter with a harmonized Regional Investment Promotion Framework and a roadmap.
The Communique called for infrastructure alignment, uniform economic reforms, human capital development plan, and a technical oversight group.
The communique urged state governments, investors, and development partners to collaborate in transforming the BRACED states into a beacon of economic dynamism.
The Defence Headquarters has placed troops on nationwide alert ahead of the Easter celebrations, assuring Nigerians of tightened security.
The DHQ also reaffirmed that ongoing support from the United States is strengthening counter-terrorism operations, with a visible impact expected in the coming weeks.
Addressing journalists during the end-of-the-month briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, assured citizens of heightened vigilance by troops during the Easter celebrations.
Onoja said the Armed Forces had already placed personnel on alert nationwide to prevent any security breach during the holiday period.
He added that similar measures were implemented during previous festive seasons, including Christmas and Eid-el-Fitr, and would be sustained.
“We know that festive seasons usually have heightened security activities. The military command gives instructions to ensure all personnel are on alert. This time will not be different,” he said.
He emphasised that security agencies would not relax despite the celebrations, noting that adversaries often attempted to exploit such periods.
“I can assure you that we will always be on alert, particularly at this period of festivities, because we know that the threats expect us to relax.
“But we are not going to relax. Everything will be okay for this Easter,” he added.
Speaking on the ongoing collaboration with the US forces, Onoja said the impact of the collaboration may not be immediately visible due to the nature of military engagements, but expressed confidence that the benefits would become evident in the coming weeks and months.
He said the U.S. support to Nigeria’s operations had been significant, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing and training, noting that the assistance was being provided on favourable terms to strengthen ongoing counter-threat operations.
According to him, “You are aware that they are bringing intelligence and training support to us, which we need. They are giving that to us on very favourable terms. There are lots of things I cannot say because of confidentiality.”
He added that the intelligence being provided included information on the location of threats and hostile elements, stressing that Nigerian troops would act accordingly.
“All we can say is that these things take time. There is a gestation period when we are conducting military operations.
“You will not see it immediately, but in the next few months or weeks, you will feel the difference in the impact of the assistance that the U.S. is providing,” Onoja stated.
On February 16, 2026, DHQ confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 US military personnel and equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
According to the military high command, the personnel, who are not combat troops, were in Nigeria strictly for technical assistance, training, and advisory roles in counter-terrorism efforts.
However, insecurity has continued to surge in several parts of the country since their deployment, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the collaboration.