Aisha Yesufu Slams Ban on Spraying Naira at Parties, Calls It “One of the Dumbest Things Ever”

 

Renowned Nigerian human rights activist and social commentator, Aisha Yesufu, has expressed strong disapproval of the Nigerian government's criminalization of the act of spraying Naira notes during celebrations. In a post shared via her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Aisha did not hold back in voicing her frustration over what she called a senseless and culturally insensitive policy.

Her exact words were:

“Criminalizing spray of Naira notes is one of the dumbest things ever. None of it is tainted or spoilt. The monies was still packed up and used. It gave colour to ceremonies and was such a Nigerian thing that was being replicated in other climes.
Why stop it?
Someone out there decided because it was against their beliefs so it had to be stopped?”

This statement has since gone viral, sparking conversations across social media, radio shows, and even news platforms. But beyond the tweet, Aisha’s words open up a deeper conversation about Nigerian culture, economic policy, and the disconnect between governance and the people’s values.

Understanding the Culture of Spraying Naira Notes at Nigerian Parties

Spraying Naira notes, especially at weddings, birthdays, and cultural celebrations, is a long-standing tradition in Nigeria. It is seen as a way of showing joy, blessing the celebrants, and participating actively in the festivity. In Yoruba traditional ceremonies, for example, spraying money is as integral as the music and food. The same applies in the South-South and Igbo cultures, where it is a display of appreciation and generosity.

Over the years, the culture has evolved into a highly symbolic act. The celebrant is sprayed with money by family, friends, and well-wishers to show love, support, and goodwill. In many ways, the act is no different from giving gifts or presenting cheques—only that it's done in a more flamboyant, culturally expressive manner.

In fact, many celebrants collect the sprayed money after the event, neatly count and sort them, and either save or reuse it. Contrary to the perception that such money is “wasted” or “destroyed,” most of it is recovered and remains in circulation.

Why Is Spraying Naira Now a Crime in Nigeria?

In 2022, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), along with law enforcement agencies, began clamping down on individuals who sprayed or mishandled the Naira in public. According to the CBN Act, defacing or abusing the currency is a punishable offense, which includes spraying, selling, or even stepping on Naira notes.

The CBN’s argument is that these practices lead to the abuse and defacing of the currency, which could increase the cost of printing and replacing notes. They also argue that it reflects poorly on the nation’s image, especially when such acts are seen in viral videos shared online.

While the legal argument might sound reasonable to some, critics argue that the law is rigid, outdated, and fails to consider the cultural importance of the practice. Many Nigerians, including celebrities, traditional rulers, and cultural activists, have spoken out against the criminalization of an act that has been part of society for decades.

Aisha Yesufu's Bold Stand Against Cultural Erasure

Aisha Yesufu is no stranger to controversy or standing up for what she believes is right. As one of the founding members of the #BringBackOurGirls movement and a constant voice for justice and reform, her opinions carry significant weight among Nigeria’s youth and activists.

In her tweet, she made it clear that the decision to criminalize spraying money is not only unjust but also rooted in personal moral or religious beliefs of those in power—beliefs that do not necessarily represent the views of the wider Nigerian public.

“Someone out there decided because it was against their beliefs so it had to be stopped?”

This part of her message raises critical questions: Should governance be based on the personal preferences of a few individuals? Is it right to force a homogeneous moral standard on a nation as diverse as Nigeria?

The Irony: When Culture Meets Law

It is ironic that while Nigerian music, fashion, and even dance styles are being celebrated and copied globally, some of the cultural practices that make these celebrations unique are being stifled back home. The act of spraying money is now becoming criminalized in Nigeria, while being mimicked in other African countries and even in diasporic events in the UK, USA, and Canada.

This contradiction is part of the broader clash between modernization and cultural preservation. While modernization often requires regulation and structure, it should not come at the expense of identity and self-expression.

Who Does the Ban Really Serve?

One major criticism of the law is that it appears to be selectively enforced. There have been reports of celebrities being arrested or publicly shamed for spraying money, yet high-ranking politicians are often seen doing the same at rallies and events without consequence.

This selective enforcement only breeds resentment and reinforces the belief that there’s one law for the poor and another for the powerful. If the goal is truly to preserve the Naira and reduce waste, then perhaps the focus should shift to financial literacy, public awareness, and innovative ways of celebration—not outright criminalization.

Cultural Pride or Public Nuisance?

Some defenders of the law argue that spraying money can be chaotic, cause public disorder, and in some cases, even incite violence or theft at events. However, this problem stems more from poor crowd control and event planning rather than the act of spraying itself. Blaming the culture instead of addressing the management issue is misdirected and lazy governance.

Aisha Yesufu’s point is simple but profound: The money is not destroyed. It is “still packed up and used.” The act of spraying brings life and color to events, and it should be celebrated, not criminalized.

What Should Be Done?

Instead of banning this vibrant tradition, perhaps the government should:

• Educate the public on how to handle currency responsibly.

• Encourage event organizers to adopt methods that ensure money is not trampled or misused.

• Provide guidelines rather than punishments.

• Promote cultural pride through regulated frameworks.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Aisha Yesufu’s tweet is more than just a social media post—it is a cry for cultural respect and policy reform. By calling the ban on spraying Naira “one of the dumbest things ever,” she is voicing the concerns of millions of Nigerians who see their culture being trivialized or dismissed by those in power.

At NaijaRush, we believe in celebrating our roots and questioning policies that don’t reflect the will of the people. Cultural expression, when done responsibly, should not be criminalized—it should be embraced, refined, and respected.

Let the Naira rain—not in disrespect, but in joy and celebration of life.