Dirty and, sometimes, mutilated naira notes are a potential health danger to members of the public. This is the because they are germs carriers. Money, being a legal tender for payment of goods and services, is transferable. At the same time, this also means that any virus-infected banknote will naturally spread germs and diseases from person-to-person. Despite the regulatory Central Bank of Nigeria being aware of this health implications, dirty notes are still in circulation. Consumertrics, in this article, states what you should know.
Highlights:
- Every banknote has a shelf life. This means money expires
- CBN has failed in its duty to protect members of the public, due to exposure to dirty banknotes. In fact, the CBN Act states, “A currency banknote shall be considered unfit for circulation when it is badly soiled/contaminated and/or with writings; or It presents a limp or rag-like appearance with ‘dog ears’.”
- The CBN, as stated in its enabling Act, has a duty to mop up such bad notes from circulation
- The CBN, in April 2019, launched the Clean Note Policy “to improve the physical appearance and lifespan of the banknotes in circulation.”
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching a bad note
