The festive tradition of spraying money at parties, weddings, and concerts has long been part of Nigeria’s celebratory culture. From lavish owambe gatherings in Lagos to traditional events up north, the act of tossing naira notes into the air is often seen as a display of generosity and joy. However, in the eyes of the law, this practice is a crime—and the government is now enforcing the ban with unprecedented seriousness.
Under Section 21 of the CBN Act (2007), spraying, stamping, or dancing on the naira is considered currency abuse. The penalty? A minimum of six months in prison, a fine of ₦50,000, or both. In recent months, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stepped up enforcement, creating a Task Force on Dollarisation and Naira Abuse to monitor social events and viral videos for offenders.
This clampdown has led to high-profile convictions. In 2024, social media influencer Bobrisky was sentenced to six months without the option of a fine for spraying naira notes at a party. Actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin faced a similar sentence. More recently, personalities like TobiNation and TDollar have been prosecuted, sparking heated debates about whether the law is too rigid for a cultural norm.
Supporters of the crackdown argue that naira spraying damages the integrity of the currency and undermines economic discipline. They point to the wear and tear on notes, as well as the symbolic disrespect for national currency. However, critics see it as an attack on Nigerian culture, calling for amendments to the law to allow controlled celebratory practices.
In response, event planners and musicians are adapting. Money boxes, vouchers, and discreet hand-to-hand gifting are becoming popular alternatives, allowing people to honour tradition without breaking the law. Popular Fuji star Pasuma, for example, now encourages guests to drop cash gifts into boxes during performances.
As enforcement continues, the conversation is shifting from whether spraying naira is “right or wrong” to how Nigeria can preserve cultural heritage while respecting financial laws. For now, celebrants will need to think twice before letting those notes fly.
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