Old ₦100 Notes Remain Valid – Says CBN

Dr. Nafisat Makinɗe, Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has clarified that both the standard ₦100 banknote and the commemorative ₦100 banknote remain legal tender and must be accepted for transactions across the country.

The clarification followed reports that some businesses and members of the public had rejected the standard ₦100 note over concerns that it was no longer valid. In a statement issued on July 8, 2026, and signed by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, the apex bank said the commemorative ₦100 note, introduced to mark Nigeria’s centenary, did not replace the standard ₦100 note.

The CBN said both versions remain valid for all transactions nationwide and warned individuals, businesses, financial institutions and other economic agents against rejecting the standard ₦100 note.

“Such rejection constitutes a violation of the provisions of the CBN Act and undermines confidence in the national currency,” the bank said.

The CBN also warned that it “will not hesitate to apply appropriate enforcement measures against any person or entity found to be in breach.”

It urged members of the public to accept and transact with all banknotes legally issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the naira and ensuring smooth currency circulation across the country.