Finally CBN Breaks Silence, Says Old N200, N500, N1,000 Notes Remain Legal Tender Till Dec 31

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday said old N200, N500, N1,000 bank notes remain legal tender Till December 31, 2023.

The apex bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Isa AbdulMumin stated this in a statement on Monday.

“In compliance with the established tradition of obedience to court orders and sustenance of the Rule of Law Principle that characterized the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and by extension, the operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as a regulator, Deposit Money Banks operating in Nigeria have been directed to comply with the Supreme Court ruling of March 3, 2023.

“Accordingly, the CBN met with the Bankers’ Committee and has directed that the old N200, N500 and N1000 banknotes remain legal tender alongside the redesigned banknotes till December 31, 2023.

“Consequently, all concerned are directed to conform accordingly.”

The CBN’s official stance comes hours after President Muhammadu Buhari earlier on Monday absolved himself from the apparent disobedience to the order of the Supreme Court on old Naira notes by the apex Bank.

The highest court of the land had on March 3 ordered that old N200, N500 and N1000 notes remain valid till December 31, 2023. This was after 16 states of the Federation instituted a suit to challenge the legality or otherwise of the introduction of the policy.

The 16 states led by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara had prayed the apex court to void and set aside the policy on the ground that it is inflicting hardships on innocent Nigerians.