By Peter Omopo
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed as false a viral image circulating on social media that claims to show a newly introduced N5,000 banknote bearing the portrait of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The image, which gained traction online, suggested that the apex bank had released a sample of the proposed high-denomination note featuring the president.
Reacting to the development, the CBN, in a statement posted on its official X handle, described the content as fake and urged the public to disregard it.
“This content is fake. Let the public be guided,” the bank stated.
The circulation of the image has reignited public debate over the possible introduction of higher currency denominations in Nigeria.
In 2012, the CBN had proposed the introduction of a N5,000 note, but the plan was eventually shelved in 2022 following widespread criticism.
Despite this, the apex bank retains the exclusive authority under the CBN Act 2007 to print, issue, and manage the nation’s currency.
The bank advised Nigerians to rely on official communication channels for accurate information and avoid spreading unverified claims.
