The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed as false a viral image circulating on social media claiming to show a newly introduced N5,000 banknote bearing the portrait of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The image, widely shared across platforms, sparked debate among Nigerians, with many questioning the authenticity of the purported high-denomination note. However, the apex bank clarified that the claim is entirely misleading and not from any official source.
In a statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the CBN categorically described the content as fake, urging members of the public to disregard it and rely only on official communication channels.
The clarification comes amid recurring misinformation about the introduction of higher naira denominations. The bank recalled that similar claims in the past—suggesting the release of N5,000 and N10,000 notes—were also debunked as false.
Fact-checking organisations have likewise traced such viral images to artificially generated content, noting that some were created using AI tools and manipulated to appear credible.
Despite longstanding public discussions around the possible introduction of higher-value naira notes, the CBN has maintained that no such currency has been approved or issued.
The apex bank advised Nigerians to remain cautious and verify information through official platforms to avoid being misled by false or manipulated content circulating online.
