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 image of President Bola Tinubu.
The image, widely shared across multiple platforms, sparked intense public debate, with many users questioning whether the apex bank had quietly rolled out a higher denomination naira note.
Some posts accompanying the image alleged that the supposed N5,000 note was part of efforts to ease cash transactions amid economic pressures. The design featured what appeared to be a portrait of President Tinubu, further fueling speculation about its authenticity.
However, the CBN swiftly moved to dispel the claim.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the bank described the image as entirely false and urged the public to disregard it.
“This content is fake. Let the public be guided,” the CBN stated.
This is not the first time such claims have surfaced. In 2025, the apex bank similarly debunked reports suggesting it had introduced N5,000 and N10,000 banknotes, reiterating that no such plans existed.
The recurrence of such misinformation highlights the speed at which unverified financial claims can spread online, often triggering confusion and unnecessary speculation among the public.
Financial analysts warn that false information about currency changes can have unintended consequences, including panic or misguided financial decisions.
The CBN has consistently advised Nigerians to rely only on official communication channels for updates regarding monetary policy and currency design.
As of now, there has been no official announcement indicating the introduction of any new naira denomination beyond the existing range in circulation.
The bank reiterated its commitment to transparency and urged citizens to verify information before sharing, especially on sensitive economic matters.
