BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated the validity of old  ₦1000, ₦500, and ₦200 banknotes currently in circulation.

The apex  bank in a statement signed by Sidi Ali, Hakama
Ag. Director, Corporate Communications said it has observed the misinformation regarding the validity of the old ₦1000, ₦500, and ₦200 banknotes currently in circulation.

According to CBN, “In line with the Bank’s previous clarifications and to offer further assurance, the CBN
wishes to reiterate that the subsisting Supreme Court ruling granted on November 29, 2023, permits the concurrent circulation of all versions of the ₦1000, ₦500, and ₦200
denominations of the Naira indefinitely.
For the avoidance of doubt, all versions of the naira, including the old and new designs
of N1000, N500, and N200 denominations, as well as the commemorative and previous
designs of the N100 denomination, remain valid and continue to be legal tender without any deadline.
We, therefore, advise the public to disregard any claims that the old series of the
aforementioned banknotes will cease to be legal tender on December 31, 2024. We
urge Nigerians to continue accepting all Naira banknotes (both old and redesigned) for
their daily transactions and to handle them with care to ensure their longevity.
Furthermore, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of
payment, such as e-channels, to reduce pressure on using physical cash”, read the statement.