CBN Confirms Standard ₦100 Note Remains Legal Tender, Warns Against Rejection

CBN Confirms Standard ₦100 Note Remains Legal Tender, Warns Against Rejection

  • Business
  • July 9, 2026
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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed that the standard ₦100 banknote remains legal tender across the country, warning individuals and businesses against rejecting it during transactions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the apex bank said its attention had been drawn to reports that some members of the public, businesses, and other stakeholders were refusing to accept the standard ₦100 note over concerns about its legal status.

The CBN clarified that both the standard ₦100 banknote and the commemorative ₦100 banknote introduced to mark Nigeria's centenary are valid legal tender and should be accepted for all financial transactions nationwide.

According to the bank, the commemorative ₦100 note was issued to celebrate Nigeria's centenary and was never intended to replace the existing standard ₦100 banknote.

The apex bank cautioned individuals, businesses, financial institutions, and other economic operators against rejecting the standard ₦100 note, stressing that such actions violate the provisions of the CBN Act and could erode public confidence in the national currency.

It warned that appropriate enforcement measures would be taken against any person or organisation found to be rejecting the legally recognised banknote.

The CBN reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the naira, maintaining public confidence in all officially issued banknotes, and ensuring the smooth circulation of currency across the country.
The bank also urged members of the public to continue accepting and using all banknotes legally issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria for transactions.

It advised anyone seeking further clarification on the matter to contact the CBN through its official communication channels.