Business
Naira Redesign in Overall Interest of Nigerians, Economy – CBN
*Insists due approval sought, obtained from Buhari
*Moghalu backs apex bank, says policy will address insecurity
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday urged Nigerians to support the currency redesign project which is in their overall interest and that of the economy at large.
The central bank further insisted that it followed the law and due process to carry out the redesigning exercise, which is 12 years due.
This is coming as a former Deputy Governor of the CBN, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu has commended the apex bank on the proposed redesigning of the naira, saying the measure will address insecurity in the country.
The apex bank’s clarification came against the backdrop of claims by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, that her ministry was not carried along in the proposed redesigning of the Naira.
CBN Director in charge of Corporate Communication, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, had in a statement, expressed surprise at the minister’s claim, stressing that the CBN remains a “very thorough institution that follows due process in its policy actions”.
He said the CBN management, in line with provisions of section 2(b), section 18(a), and section 19(a)(b) of the CBN Act 2007, had duly sought and obtained the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari in writing to redesign, produce, release and circulate new series of N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes.
Nwanisobi urged Nigerians to support the currency redesign project, stressing that some persons were hoarding significant sums of banknotes outside the vaults of commercial banks.
He argued that such a trend should not be encouraged by anyone who means well for the country.
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He pointed out that currency management in the country had faced several escalating challenges which threatened the integrity of the Naira, the CBN, and the country in general, adding that every top-rate central bank was committed to safeguarding the integrity of the local legal tender, the efficiency of its supply, as well as its efficacy in the conduct of monetary policy.
On the timing of the redesign project, Nwanisobi explained that the CBN had even tarried for too long considering that it had to wait 20 years to carry out a redesign, whereas the standard practice globally was for central banks to redesign, produce and circulate new local legal tender every five to eight years.
While assuring Nigerians that the currency redesign exercise was purely a central banking exercise and not targeted at any group, the CBN spokesman expressed optimism that the effort will, among other goals, deepen Nigeria’s push to entrench a cashless economy in the face of increased minting of the eNaira.
This, he said, is in addition to helping to curb the incidents of terrorism and kidnapping due to access of persons to the large volume of money outside the banking system used as a source of funds for ransom payments.
The CBN director urged Nigerians, irrespective of their status, to support the Naira redesign project as it is for the greater good of the economy.
The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had on Wednesday announced a proposed redesign of the currency in the variation of N200, N500 and N1,000.
Emefiele, who pointed out that the change was a sequel to the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari, said circulation of the new banknotes would commence on December 15, 2022.
He said the development was also aimed at checking the increasing ease and risk of currency counterfeiting evidenced by several security reports, and the increased risk to financial stability as well as the worsening shortage of clean and fit currency, with the attendant negative perception of the central bank.
Emefiele said there was significant hoarding of naira notes by members of the public, with statistics showing that over 80 per cent of the currency in circulation was outside the vaults of the commercial banks.
He said as of September 2022, a total of N3.2 trillion was in circulation, of which N2.73 trillion was outside the vaults of the banks, describing the development as unacceptable.
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Emefiele explained that the new and existing notes would remain legal tender and circulate together until January 31, 2023, when the existing currencies shall seize to be legal tender.
As a result, he said all banks currently holding the existing denominations of the currency might begin returning the notes to the CBN immediately, adding that the newly designed currency would be released to the banks on a first come, first served basis.
Emefiele also urged bank customers to begin paying into their bank accounts the existing currency notes to enable them to withdraw the new banknotes once circulation begins in mid-December 2022.
Moghalu Backs Apex Bank, Says Policy Will Address Insecurity
Meanwhile, a former Deputy Governor of the CBN, Prof. Moghalu, has commended the apex bank on the proposed redesigning of the naira.
Moghalu, a political economist, who gave the commendation in a statement issued yesterday in Lagos, advocated a 90-day window for the implementation.
He said: “I fully support the Central Bank of Nigeria in redesigning the Naira. If 80 per cent of banknotes in circulation are outside the banks, that is troubling.
“The CBN obviously wants to force all those notes back into the banking system. Those with the notes must surrender them to get new ones or else it becomes illegal tender after January 31, 2023.
“The flip side is that people who are holding huge amounts of cash outside the banking system for nefarious reasons will go to the parallel forex market to buy hard currency, putting further downward pressure on the value of the Naira as too much Naira will be chasing too few dollars.”
He, however, expressed doubt that the step would solve inflation, “because there also are other major reasons for inflation such as the forex crisis, which this new move can exacerbate, as well as the impact of the security crisis on food price inflation.”
According to him, the step, however, has become necessary for national security but the window for implementation is too short.
“This will put a lot of operational pressure on commercial banks and the financial system in general.
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“A 90-day window will have been better, but one can understand the need to avoid interfering with the elections,” he added.
Youth Leaders Back CBN, Urge Emefiele to Ignore Finance Minister
In a related development, a group, Ethnic Youth Leaders, has also called on Emefiele, to ignore the Minister of Finance, Ahmed, over her attack on the naira redesigning proposal and go ahead with its decision to launch the new notes in December.
The group who made the call in a statement by its convener, Godwin Meliga, in Abuja yesterday, described the minister’s statement as reckless and a plot to undermine President Buhari.
The group insisted that the decision to redesign naira is a welcomed development as it was a way of tightening the money supply in the face of rising inflation.
It therefore urged the finance minister to apologise to Buhari, and the CBN over her reckless attack.
“We are of the view that CBN doesn’t need to notify her ministry, in line with the law. The decision to replace some naira denominations with new ones would be positive for the economy in the medium to long-term,” the group explained.
Thisday
Entertainment
NRC, Entertainers Finalise Plans for 2026 Valentine Train Ride
NRC, Entertainers Finalise Plans for 2026 Valentine Train Ride
A team of leading Nigerian artistes and entertainment executives has paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, ahead of the 2026 Valentine Love Train experience.
The delegation included celebrated musician Sunny Neji, Managing Director of Ojez Entertainment Limited, Joseph Odobeatu, and veteran vocalist Yinka Davies.
The high-profile visit formed part of final preparations for the Valentine-themed train ride scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station.
Dr. Opeifa received the artistes and commended the creative industry for choosing the national rail system as the venue for the annual Valentine event. He noted that the partnership reflects growing public confidence in the corporation’s safety standards, operational improvements, and renewed focus on customer experience.
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“The 2026 edition aims to deliver an unforgettable experience while deepening public engagement with the rail service,” Opeifa said, reaffirming the NRC’s commitment to providing secure and efficient transport for passengers during special events.
Organisers disclosed that this year’s edition will feature an expanded entertainment lineup, including performances and appearances by Charles Inojie, Yinka Davies, Sunny Neji, and Segun Arinze. Guests are expected to enjoy live music, comedy, a couple’s game show, fashion showcases, and special performances throughout the Lagos–Ibadan–Lagos train ride, culminating in a Valentine banquet ball.
The Valentine Love Train has in recent years become a fixture on the NRC’s festive calendar, attracting couples, families, and leisure seekers with its blend of travel, romance, and entertainment. The initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts by the corporation to promote rail transportation as a viable and enjoyable alternative for intercity travel.
With final logistics being fine-tuned, organisers say the 2026 edition promises to combine safety, comfort, and premium entertainment for participants.
NRC, Entertainers Finalise Plans for 2026 Valentine Train Ride
Auto
Lagos Motor Fair, Autoparts Expo to begin March 17, targeting Investment, Industry Growth
Lagos Motor Fair, Autoparts Expo to begin March 17, targeting Investment, Industry Growth
The 20th edition of the Lagos International Motor Fair and the 13th Africa Autoparts Expo is set to spotlight investment, technology transfer and industry collaboration as organisers intensify efforts to position Nigeria as a major automotive hub in West Africa.
The three-day event, which will also incorporate the Africa Motorcycle and Tricycle Expo, is scheduled to hold from March 17 to 19, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
Organisers said the upcoming edition would focus strongly on accelerating the development of the country’s automotive sector by creating platforms that connect global manufacturers with local industry players.
“Nigeria has all it takes to become a global automotive industry giant,” the organisers stated, noting that the fair remains a strategic contribution toward driving growth despite prevailing industry challenges.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, said the exhibitions had over the years evolved into a key platform for attracting investment into automobile spare parts and accessories manufacturing while strengthening aftermarket activities across the region.
“We have consistently used these events to attract investment into auto components manufacturing and to showcase the enormous capacity and potential of this critical sector of the economy,” he said.
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Agwu, who also serves as Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, disclosed that the 2026 edition would place emphasis on business-to-business engagement between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and auto parts dealers from Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
According to him, the goal is to foster partnerships capable of leading to the establishment of component manufacturing plants locally.
He added that the exhibition is expected to support government policies aimed at building a sustainable automotive industry by stimulating the emergence of companies involved in component production.
Calling for policy adjustments, Agwu urged the Federal Government to prioritise spare parts and components manufacturing over vehicle assembly, arguing that deeper technology transfer and innovation occur within the components segment.
“Spare parts manufacturing is where real technology transfer occurs. It involves precision engineering, planning and innovation—far beyond the coupling processes involved in assembly,” he said, while also advocating a review of the existing automotive policy to better support local production.
Despite the challenges associated with hosting large-scale industry events, Agwu reaffirmed the organisers’ commitment to sustaining the platform, warning that neglecting the automotive sector could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and employment.
The organisers said more than 100 original components manufacturers from countries including China, India, South Korea, South Africa, Singapore and Turkey, alongside major automobile distribution and manufacturing companies operating in Nigeria, are expected to participate.
In addition to product exhibitions, the event will feature seminars and technical workshops focusing on policy, investment opportunities, technology transfer and industry best practices, with each day structured to deliver value to exhibitors, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Lagos Motor Fair, Autoparts Expo to begin March 17, targeting Investment, Industry Growth
Business
Naira Could Trade Below ₦1,000/$ With Dangote Refinery at Full Capacity — Otedola
Naira Could Trade Below ₦1,000/$ With Dangote Refinery at Full Capacity — Otedola
Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has projected that the naira could strengthen to trade below ₦1,000 per US dollar as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery achieves full operational capacity. The prediction comes as Nigeria anticipates a major boost in domestic fuel production, potentially reducing import dependence and easing pressure on the foreign exchange market.
Otedola made the projection in a post on X, congratulating Aliko Dangote on the refinery reaching its designed processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd). He described the milestone as a historic moment for Nigeria’s energy sector, saying it could positively impact the naira exchange rate, foreign reserves, and overall economic stability.
According to Otedola, the refinery’s capacity to produce up to 75 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily positions Nigeria to meet domestic fuel demand and even generate surplus for export. He highlighted that this would reduce the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products, which historically exerted heavy pressure on the naira and foreign exchange resources.
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“With domestic refining now firmly underway after decades of reliance on imports, pressure on the foreign exchange market should ease significantly, potentially pushing the naira below ₦1,000/$ before year-end,” Otedola said. He also noted that the EFCC and monetary authorities’ support in maintaining a conducive economic environment would complement these gains.
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos, is Africa’s largest single-train refinery. Experts say that reaching full production will conserve billions of dollars previously spent on importing refined petroleum products and strengthen Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. Plans are also underway to expand refining capacity to 1.4 million bpd, with increased production of petrochemicals like polypropylene and linear alkyl benzene, further reducing industrial import dependence.
Economic analysts have welcomed the refinery’s milestone but caution that naira stability will still depend on broader macroeconomic reforms, oil prices, foreign capital inflows, and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policies. Nevertheless, Otedola’s projection reflects renewed optimism that domestic refining capacity could be a turning point for the Nigerian economy, energy security, and the foreign exchange market.
Naira Could Trade Below ₦1,000/$ With Dangote Refinery at Full Capacity — Otedola
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