No Plans to Introduce N5000, N10000 Naira Notes—CBN

The apex bank described the circular as “fake” in a statement via its official handle on X (formerly Twitter).

The alleged circular said the new notes were set for circulation from May 1.

Business Post gathered that the notes were generated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) showing the late Obafemi Awolowo, who is originally on the N100 note, on the N5,000 note and the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, originally on the N500 note, on the N10,000 version.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially announced the introduction of two new denominations – N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes; as part of ongoing efforts to streamline cash transactions and improve liquidity management,” the viral circular widely shared online and falsely attributed to the CBN, stated.

The document further alleged that one Deputy CBN Governor, Mr Ibrahim Tahir Jr, justified the move as a way to reduce cash-handling costs while offering Nigerians more efficient options for larger transactions.

However, the apex bank refuted the claims, urging the public to verify information through its official website.

“The content is not from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Kindly note that the official website of the CBN is cbn.gov.ng,” the CBN stated, emphasising its commitment to transparency and accurate communication.

In 2022, the apex bank announced the redesign of the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes with the new notes entering circulation on December 15, 2022. This initiative aimed to address issues such as currency counterfeiting, the prevalence of currency outside the banking system, and to promote a cashless economy.

According to the CBN, under then Governor Godwin Emefiele, said the redesigned banknotes feature enhanced security measures and updated designs to improve their durability and aesthetic appeal.

The CBN emphasized that introducing new designs aligns with global practices, where national currencies are periodically redesigned to combat counterfeiting and enhance security.

The old versions of these denominations remained legal tender and circulated alongside the new notes until January 31, 2023, after which they were phased out.