Did The CBN Introduce New ₦5,000 And ₦10,000 Banknotes?

An Examination Of Argentina, Iran, Turkey, And Zimbabwe's Experiences With Hyperinflation And Their Shift To Dollarization -
By Abioye Tosin Lawrence

There's a rumour making around the social media that the Central BANK of Nigeria has announced it will embark on introducing new ₦5,000 & ₦10,000 Notes in a bid to reduce cash handling challenges.

According to the statement which was later rebuffed by the Central Bank of Nigeria read; "The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially announced the introduction of two new denominations - ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 banknotes; as part of ongoing efforts to streamline cash transactions and improve liquidity management."

The move is aimed at reducing cash-handling costs and providing Nigerians with more efficient means of conducting large transactions. 

"The introduction of these new high-value denominations aligns with global best practices and will enhance economic activities while reducing the stress associated with carrying large amounts of cash."

The new ₦5,000 note will feature the portrait of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, while the ₦10,000 note will showcase Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, both in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s development. Additionally, the new notes will incorporate enhanced security features, including color-changing ink, holograms, and anti-counterfeiting technology, making them impossible to replicate.

The nationwide rollout will begin on May 1, 2025, with commercial banks instructed to start issuing the new notes via ATMs and over-the-counter transactions.

Nigerians are advised to exchange their old Naira notes at banks before June 30, 2025, after which lower denominations may be phased out gradually, the statement read.

I'm writing to inform the general public of the potential consequences if such rumour became subject of truth. The findings revealed that most countries that issue high-denomination currency do so in response to inflation, but if economic issues persist, such as Nigeria's struggle to recover its economy. The currency frequently loses value quickly, as many countries use redenomination, dollarization, or monetary reforms to stabilize their economies.

I am not a financial expert, but I am concerned about the Naira's decline, and the introduction of these high-denomination currencies has both positive and negative consequences, with the negatives potentially encouraging the Naira's depreciation.

To maintain economic stability while avoiding undesirable repercussions. These steps include: 

* Conduct a thorough economic analysis to determine the requirement of the higher denomination, taking into account issues such as inflation, money supply, and transaction efficiency.  

* Improved Security Features - The new currency will include enhanced anti-counterfeiting features to maintain trust in the financial system.  

* Gradual Implementation - Introduce the new denomination in stages to assess its impact and make changes as appropriate.

* Legal and regulatory changes 

 Make sure that laws governing currency issuance, banking operations, and anti-money laundering are revised to reflect the new notes.  

* Close Coordination with Banks and Businesses - Collaborate with financial institutions and significant businesses to ensure a smooth transition, including testing ATMs, cash registers, and other systems for compatibility with the new currency. 

 • Manage Inflation Risks: Implement monetary policies to prevent excessive money supply increase, which could lead to inflation.  

• Monitoring and evaluation - Constantly monitor the impact of the new denomination on the economy and take corrective action as needed.

Following these stages allows a government to adopt higher-value money responsibly while maintaining economic stability and public trust. 

In addition, several countries with high-denomination currencies have experienced inflation, which can lead to hyperinflation.  

•In Zimbabwe. Highest currency: Zimbabwean dollar (Z$100 trillion note in 2008).  

Inflation Impact: In 2008, hyperinflation reached 89.7 sextillion percent per month, forcing Zimbabwe to abandon its currency in favor of the US dollar and other foreign currencies.  

• Venezuela Highest currency: 

Sovereign Bolívar (BsS 1,000,000 note before redenomination in 2021).

Inflation Impact: Persistent hyperinflation, which reached 1,000,000% in 2018, resulted in many currency redenominations and considerable economic instability.  

In Argentina. The highest currency is the 2,000 peso note, which was launched in 2023. 

 Inflation Impact: In 2023, inflation surpassed 200%, drastically depreciating the peso and raising the cost of living.  

• Turkey (prior to redenomination in 2005). Highest currency: 20 million Turkish Liras (established in 2001).  

Inflationary Impact: Chronic inflation forced the government to remove six zeros from the currency in 2005, replacing it with the New Turkish Lira.

Inflation Impact: Persistent hyperinflation, reaching 1,000,000% in 2018, led to multiple currency redenominations and widespread economic instability.

• Argentina

Highest Currency: 2,000 peso note (introduced in 2023)

Inflation Impact: Inflation exceeded 200% in 2023, significantly devaluing the peso and increasing the cost of living.

• Turkey (before redenomination in 2005) Highest Currency: 20 million Turkish Lira (introduced in 2001)

Inflation Impact: Chronic inflation forced the government to remove six zeros from the currency in 2005, replacing it with the New Turkish Lira.

• Iran

Iran's highest currency is the 1,000,000 rial notes, which was launched in 2023.  

Inflation Impact: Years of economic sanctions and inflation topping 50% have destroyed the currency's value, prompting redenominations and debates about replacing the rial with a toman. 

A few months ago, I was talking with a foreign friend, Mr. Kebba Jobe, and I asked how the Gambia's economy was before the introduction of the new 200 Dalasi note. His argument was that it has an impact on the country's economy, resulting in inflation as prices for products and services rise immediately.  

The Central Bank of Nigeria must reassess its efforts to combat persistent inflation in the era of high-denomination bank notes.

 Abioye Tosin Lawrence is the publisher of OrionTimes Online Newspaper.