With Valentine’s Day 2026 approaching, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned that using naira banknotes to create bouquets, cash cakes, money towers, or similar decorative arrangements is considered currency abuse and can attract legal penalties.
The CBN emphasized that this is not a new ban, but the enforcement of existing law under Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007. The law states that tampering with, defacing, folding, pinning, or misusing banknotes is a criminal offence. Offenders can face a minimum of six months in prison, a fine of ₦50,000, or both.
While Valentine’s Day is associated with lavish gifts, the apex bank stressed that cultural or romantic trends do not override currency protection rules. Citizens are urged to report cases of naira abuse to the appropriate authorities, reminding Nigerians that protecting the naira is a shared responsibility.
The warning has sparked social media debate, with reactions ranging from humour to criticism about timing. Financial regulators, however, emphasize that this reminder reinforces long-standing legal provisions, not a sudden “special ban” for February 14.
Nigerians are advised to consider alternatives such as traditional flowers, digital transfers, or non-currency gifts to celebrate the season safely and legally.