By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has debunked reports that it planned to phase out the newly redesigned N1, 000, N500 and N200 notes.
The Apex Bank in a statement by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Dr Isa AbdulMumim, on Sunday, described the reports as “fake news”, and advised members of the public to ignore such reports.
The statement further reads: “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to a fake news item circulating in the media, particularly in the social media space, suggesting that the Bank is contemplating the withdrawal of the recently redesigned N1, 000, N500 and N200 currency banknotes from circulation.
“We wish to state emphatically that such speculation is unfounded and a ploy by some interests to cause panic among members of the public.
“We wish to reiterate that the new and old currency notes have been circulating side by side just as the Bank has been taking delivery of a good quantity of the redesigned bank notes from the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) Limited.
“Furthermore, we are committed to supplying the approved indent for the smooth running of the economy.
“We, therefore, urge members of the public to disregard any report suggesting a phase-out of the redesigned currency.
For the avoidance of doubt, the redesigned and old notes will continue to be accepted as legal tender.
“They will circulate side-by-side for transactions ahead of the December 31, 2023 deadline, when the old N1000, N500 and N200 banknotes will eventually be phased out”.
