Tinubu Image On ₦5,000 Note? CBN Says Viral Claim Is False
Social Media Rumour Sparks Confusion
A viral image claiming to show a newly designed ₦5,000 banknote featuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been dismissed as fake by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The image circulated widely across social media platforms, prompting mixed reactions from users, many of whom questioned the authenticity and timing of such a currency release.
CBN Issues Official Clarification
Responding to the speculation, the apex bank categorically denied the existence of the note, stressing that no such currency has been introduced.
In a brief but direct statement, the bank advised Nigerians to ignore the misinformation and rely on verified sources for official updates.
Technology Behind the Fake Image
Investigations into the viral content revealed that the banknote image was likely generated using artificial intelligence tools.
Experts noted that such tools can produce highly convincing visuals, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish between authentic and fabricated content.
The detection of over 90 per cent AI-generated material in the image further confirmed that it was not a genuine currency design.
Renewed Debate on High-Denomination Notes
The incident has reignited discussions around the potential introduction of a ₦5,000 note in Nigeria.
While the Central Bank of Nigeria had previously proposed the idea in 2012, the plan was later abandoned amid public resistance and economic concerns.
Advocates argue that higher denominations could improve transaction efficiency, while critics warn of inflationary implications.
Legal Backing and Public Caution
The CBN Act empowers the bank to independently manage currency issuance, including introducing new notes or redesigning existing ones.
Nonetheless, the bank emphasised that any such move would be formally communicated through official channels.
The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of digital literacy and vigilance, as misinformation continues to evolve alongside technological advancements.
Nigerians have been urged to verify claims before sharing, particularly on sensitive issues such as national currency and economic policy.
CBN Debunks Viral ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 Banknote Claims
In the past, reports were circulating across social media platforms claiming that the Central Bank of Nigeria had introduced new ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 banknotes, new banknotes featuring historical leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. The viral posts, which included fabricated images of the proposed currency, quickly generated widespread public reactions and speculation about changes to Nigeria’s monetary system.
CBN Issues Official Denial
Responding to the growing misinformation, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in a statement released in 2 April 2025 shortly after the reports gained traction, dismissed the claims as entirely false. The apex bank clarified that it had neither introduced nor approved any new high-denomination banknotes.
The CBN emphasised that all official currency-related decisions would be formally communicated through its verified channels, urging the public to disregard the circulating reports.
No Policy Shift on Currency Denominations
The bank further reiterated that Nigeria’s highest denomination remains the ₦1,000 note, and there are currently no plans to introduce ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 notes. While such proposals have surfaced in the past, they have not been implemented.
Public Advised to Verify Information
The CBN warned Nigerians against spreading unverified financial information, noting that fake reports—often amplified by digital manipulation and AI-generated images—can undermine confidence in the financial system.
It urged citizens to rely only on credible sources and official announcements for updates on monetary policy, stressing the importance of vigilance in an era of rapidly spreading misinformation.
