According to a source, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) did not order commercial banks to collect old N500 and N1,000 notes.
This was said by the CBN’s Director of Corporate Communication, Osita Nwanisobi, in response to media reports that the central bank had instructed commercial banks to collect old notes worth N500 and N1,000 that had been declared invalid by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said that starting on April 10, the CBN would solely reissue and circulate the outdated 200-naira notes.
He warned members of the public to disregard the information while also imploring media practitioners to verify information from sources before publishing news articles.
He said: “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to some fake and unauthorised messages, quoting the CBN as having authorised the Deposit Money Banks to collect the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes.
“For the avoidance of doubt, and in line with Mr. President’s broadcast of February 16, the CBN has been directed to ONLY re-issue and recirculate the old N200 banknotes and this is expected to circulate as legal tender for 60 days up to April 10.
“Members of the public should, therefore, disregard any message and/or information not formally released by the Central Bank of Nigeria on this subject.
“Media practitioners are advised to PLEASE verify any information from the correct sources before publication.”