The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned Nigerians, businesses and financial institutions against refusing to accept the standard ₦100 banknote, stressing that the currency remains valid legal tender and that offenders may face sanctions under the CBN Act.

The warning follows reports that some individuals and businesses have been rejecting the standard ₦100 note due to confusion over its status following the introduction of the commemorative ₦100 banknote. The CBN explained that the commemorative note, introduced in 2014 to mark Nigeria's centenary anniversary, was issued alongside the existing standard ₦100 banknote and was never intended to replace it.

In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, the apex bank reaffirmed that both the standard and commemorative ₦100 notes remain legal tender, clarifying that there is no distinction in validity between the two and that both must be accepted for payments across the country.

The CBN warned that rejecting the standard ₦100 banknote violates provisions of the CBN Act and could undermine confidence in Nigeria's currency system.