Money Bouquet Equals 6 Months Jail This Valentine — CBN Warns

With Valentine’s Day 2026 approaching, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated that using naira banknotes to create flower cash-bouquets, cash towers, money cakes, or similar decorative arrangements is currency abuse, not a new ban but enforcement of existing law.

Under Section 21 of the CBN Act, tampering with, defacing, folding, pinning, or otherwise misusing banknotes is a crime. Offenders can face at least six months in prison, a fine of ₦50,000, or both.

The apex bank stressed that cultural or romantic trends don’t override currency protection rules, and urged Nigerians to “report cases of naira abuse to the appropriate authorities,” emphasizing that protecting the naira is a shared responsibility.

While the focus on Valentine’s gifts has sparked social media debate, ranging from humour to criticism about timing, financial regulators highlight that this reminder is reinforcement of long-standing legal provisions, not a sudden “special ban” for February 14.

Lovers and gift planners are advised to choose alternatives like traditional flowers, digital transfers, or non-currency gifts to celebrate the season without legal risk.