The traditional and cultural practice of spraying(spending) cash during parties in Nigeria has become increasingly challenging to control.
A lot of Nigerians can still buy their way into getting enough cash especially in new notes to spray at these events despite the ban by the apex bank.
A business man based in the FCT, Adekunle Alabi, who shared his experience at a wedding he attended over the weekend with our correspondent, said many guests still sprayed cash at the event.
“I attended a wedding celebration on Saturday. So many friends and family members of the couple danced and sprayed the couples so much that the ushers needed extra help packing the cash from the ground.”
Adekunle also added that his neighbour who attended a different wedding still in the FCT said the same thing.
According to Adekunle, “If people do not spray cash, is it really an Owambe?”
Adekunle said that he was surprised that the tradition of spraying cash at weddings hasn’t mellowed down yet.
Sarah, who is based in Lagos also stated that it is a norm to spray cash especially at wedding parties.
She said, ” People sell cash at these events just so people have no excuse not to spray.”
Recall that in February 2023, the CBN warned Nigerians concerning the spraying of cash saying, “Spraying of, dancing or matching on the naira or any note issued by the Bank during social occasions or otherwise shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.
“We therefore, warn Nigerians, particularly those at social functions such as birthdays, weddings and funerals, to desist from disrespecting the Naira or risk being arrested by law enforcement agencies.
“The Naira is our legal tender and symbol of national pride. Therefore, let us respect it and handle it with care,” the statement said.
It remains to be seen how the CBN will navigate these challenges and implement effective measures to alleviate cash scarcity, thereby addressing the cultural practice of cash spraying at social events.
