5000 Naira Note With Tinubu Picture Goes Viral … CBN Reacts

CBN has reacted to a viral 5000 Naira note with Tinubu picture.

Philips News reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed as false a circulating image of a new N5,000 bank note.

This online newspaper understands that the reaction from the Nigerian apex bank came after some social media users claimed that the CBN had released the first sample of an N5,000 note featuring an image of President Bola Tinubu.

The now-viral image has elicited a flurry of reactions on social media, especially the micro-blogging site, X, formerly known as Twitter.

An X user with the username: @iOccupyNigeria posted the picture of the purported 5000 naira note and called the attention of the CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso, to it.

The user wrote: “To: The Governor

“Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) (@cenbank)

“Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed ₦5,000 Banknote Introduction

“Dear Sir,

“We write to express our deep concern regarding credible reports of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s plan to introduce a ₦5,000 banknote.

“We understand the possible rationale behind such a move, particularly in light of currency management and transactional efficiency. However, in the current economic climate, this proposal raises serious concerns. Introducing a higher denomination note in an inflationary environment risks further accelerating inflation, weakening purchasing power, and reinforcing public perception that the naira is rapidly losing value.

“At a time when Nigerians are already grappling with rising costs of living, this policy could signal monetary accommodation rather than discipline. Historically and globally, higher denomination notes tend to follow inflation rather than solve it. As such, this move may exacerbate the very problem it appears to address.

“More troubling are reports that this proposed note is intended to feature the image of Bola Ahmed Tinubu (see attached mock-up) and is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter, just ahead of the election cycle. If true, this raises serious ethical and economic concerns. The timing and symbolism could be interpreted as politicizing the national currency, undermining confidence in both the Central Bank’s independence and the integrity of Nigeria’s monetary system.

“We have also received information from credible sources indicating that this project is already well underway, including the awarding of a foreign printing contract reportedly valued at levels comparable to previous large-scale currency printings. If accurate, this suggests that significant steps have already been taken without adequate public discourse or transparency.

“Nigeria’s economy is at a fragile point. Policy decisions of this magnitude must prioritize stability, credibility, and long-term value preservation of the naira. Introducing a ₦5,000 note under these conditions risks sending the wrong signal to both citizens and international observers.

“We respectfully urge the Central Bank to reconsider this policy. Strengthening the currency, restoring confidence, and addressing the root causes of inflation should take precedence over introducing higher denominations.

“Nigeria does not need a bigger note. It needs a stronger naira.

“Thank you.”

To: The Governor

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) (@cenbank)
Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed ₦5,000 Banknote Introduction

Dear Sir,

We write to express our deep concern regarding credible reports of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s plan to introduce a ₦5,000 banknote.

We… pic.twitter.com/s0ziaB8Yrp

— iOccupyNigeria (@iOccupyNigeria) April 9, 2026

However, the apex bank debunked the report in a post on its official X handle, saying,  “This content is fake. Let the public be guided.”

This content is fake. Let the public be guided. pic.twitter.com/pPOASXOqf1

— Central Bank of Nigeria (@cenbank) April 9, 2026

The viral 5000 Naira note with Tinubu picture was generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) tool.  Artificial intelligence uses complex computer algorithms to perform tasks otherwise done by humans, like answering questions and writing code.

Meanwhile, PhilipsNews recalls that the CBN announced plans to introduce N5,000 notes in 2012 but backtracked on these plans in 2022.

Over the years, there have been calls for the introduction of N5,000 notes.

Section 18(a) and 18(b) of the CBN Act 2007 give the Central Bank absolute power (with no legislative intervention) to:

(a) arrange for the printing of currency notes and the minting of coins;

(b) issue, re-issue, and exchange currency notes and coins at the Bank’s offices and at such agencies as it may, from time to time, establish or appoint.