Get Guardian on GoogleTaraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has signed Executive Order No. 01 of 2026, aimed at promoting respect for the Nigerian currency and encouraging responsible conduct during public and private celebrations across the state.
The order, titled Taraba State Public Decency, Currency Respect and Responsible Celebration Order, 2026, seeks to strengthen compliance with existing laws prohibiting the abuse of the Naira.
Under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007, spraying, mutilating, defacing, stepping on, scattering, throwing or otherwise abusing the national currency are prohibited.
Governor Kefas said the directive reflects his administration’s commitment to public order, responsible conduct, cultural dignity and respect for the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He acknowledged that currency-related matters fall within the exclusive legislative jurisdiction of the Federal Government, noting that the state’s role is to promote compliance with existing federal laws.
The executive order directs all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Government Councils, traditional institutions and public officers to promote awareness and encourage proper handling of the Naira.
It 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 directive does not prohibit monetary gifts or lawful cultural, religious and traditional celebrations.
Instead, residents are encouraged to present monetary gifts through acceptable alternatives, including envelopes, bank transfers, electronic payment platforms, cheques, donation boxes and designated gift tables.
The directive emphasises that celebrations can continue without violating laws protecting the national currency, particularly at weddings and other social events where monetary gifts are customary.
Governor Kefas also directed public officers and political appointees to lead by example by refraining from activities that constitute abuse of the Naira.
Public officers who violate the directives may face appropriate administrative or disciplinary measures in accordance with existing laws and public service regulations.
To support implementation, relevant state institutions are expected to collaborate with federal authorities on public enlightenment and refer suspected cases of currency abuse 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 various media platforms to ensure residents, event organisers and community institutions understand the provisions of the order.
The executive order seeks to balance the preservation of cultural and social celebrations with the need to uphold national laws and protect the dignity of Nigeria’s currency.
Governor Kefas said the initiative is designed to promote responsible celebrations, uphold public decency and strengthen respect for the Naira, while supporting federal government efforts to preserve the integrity of the national currency.
With the order taking immediate effect, attention will now focus on its implementation across Taraba State’s 16 local government areas and the cooperation of government institutions, traditional rulers, religious bodies and other stakeholders.
Ultimately, the success of the directive will depend on public awareness, stakeholder cooperation and residents’ willingness to embrace lawful alternatives to currency spraying and other forms of Naira abuse.
