Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has signed Executive Order No. 01 of 2026 to promote respect for the Nigerian currency and encourage responsible conduct during public and private celebrations across the state.
The order, titled Taraba State Public Decency, Currency Respect and Responsible Celebration Order, 2026, is aimed at strengthening compliance with existing federal laws prohibiting the abuse of the Naira.
Under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, activities such as spraying, mutilating, defacing, stepping on, scattering, throwing or otherwise abusing the national currency are prohibited.
Governor Kefas said the directive underscores his administration’s commitment to public order, responsible conduct, cultural dignity and respect for the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He noted that matters relating to currency fall within the exclusive legislative jurisdiction of the Federal Government, explaining that the state government’s responsibility is to promote compliance with existing federal laws.
Under the executive order, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Government Councils, traditional institutions and public officers are expected to promote public awareness and encourage the proper handling of the Naira.
The directive also calls on event organisers, venue operators, entertainment promoters, religious institutions, traditional councils and community leaders to discourage currency spraying and other forms of Naira abuse during social gatherings.
However, the governor clarified that the order does not prohibit monetary gifts or lawful cultural, religious and traditional celebrations.
Rather, residents are encouraged to adopt acceptable alternatives for presenting monetary gifts, including envelopes, bank transfers, electronic payment platforms, cheques, donation boxes and designated gift tables.
The administration stressed that weddings and other social events where monetary gifts are customary can continue without violating laws protecting the national currency.
Governor Kefas also directed public officers and political appointees to lead by example by avoiding activities that amount to abuse of the Naira.
Public officers found violating the directives may face appropriate administrative or disciplinary measures in line with existing laws and public service regulations.
To ensure effective implementation, relevant state institutions are expected to collaborate with federal authorities on public enlightenment and refer suspected cases of currency abuse to the appropriate agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.
The Taraba State Ministry of Information and Re-Orientation has also been mandated to coordinate sustained public awareness campaigns on the proper handling of the Naira and the legal consequences of currency abuse.
The campaigns will involve relevant stakeholders and media platforms to ensure that residents, event organisers and community institutions understand the provisions of the executive order.
The directive seeks to strike a balance between preserving cultural and social celebrations and upholding national laws designed to protect the integrity and dignity of Nigeria’s currency.
With the order taking immediate effect, attention is expected to shift to its implementation across Taraba State’s 16 local government areas, as well as the cooperation of government institutions, traditional rulers, religious bodies and other stakeholders.
The success of the initiative will largely depend on public awareness, stakeholder cooperation and residents’ willingness to embrace lawful alternatives to currency spraying and other forms of Naira abuse.