By Ghazali Ibrahim
With Valentine’s Day just days away, a wave of reactions has swept across Nigeria after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reiterated that creating naira “cash bouquets” and similar decorative money displays.
Cash bouquet is popular romantic trend among lovers which constitutes, according to CBN Act, currency abuse and is prosecutable under the law.
The CBN’s reminder widely shared online states that arranging banknotes into bouquets, towers or other decorative shapes violates existing currency-protection laws under Section 21 of the CBN Act. The provision makes it a crime to tamper with, fold, staple, deface or otherwise misuse the naira, with offenders facing up to six months in prison, a fine of at least ₦50,000, or both.
Money bouquets, an arrangements of banknotes styled like flowers or gifts have become a viral trend, especially on social media, where lovers often showcase extravagant cash-based surprises. But the apex bank says such practices damage the currency and go against its mandate to preserve the naira’s dignity and integrity. The warning explains that while gifting money isn’t illegal, the method of presentation matters and decorating with actual banknotes crosses legal boundaries.
Social media reactions ranged from surprise and humour to frustration and creativity. Some users joked that lovers will now have to “switch back to roses or transfer alerts” instead of flaunting cash bouquets; others criticised the timing, saying economic concerns like inflation and electricity supply are more pressing than regulating romantic gift trends. A few commentators praised the CBN’s stance as a reminder of patriotic responsibility in handling the naira.
The heated conversation reflects a broader cultural clash between long-standing celebratory customs and efforts to enforce currency-protection laws, with Valentine’s Day amplifying public attention.
As February 14 approaches, many Nigerians are weighing legal compliance against their plans for lavish romantic displays and finding creative alternatives that stay within the law.
