The Nigerian Senate has introduced a bill that, if passed, would dramatically increase the financial penalty for “naira abuse” the act of spraying, stamping, mutilating, or otherwise mishandling the national currency to N500,000. The bill was sponsored by Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East.For many Nigerians, the term “naira abuse” is most associated with the practice of “spraying” money at parties, weddings, and other celebratory events a deeply rooted cultural tradition, particularly in the South West and South South regions. However, under existing laws, such actions, along with writing on naira notes, stapling them, or trading in mutilated currency, are technically illegal, though enforcement has historically been inconsistent.The push for a steeper fine comes against the backdrop of repeated warnings from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) about the poor state of naira notes in circulation, with officials frequently citing the cost implications of constantly reprinting and replacing damaged currency. A higher fine is being framed as a stronger deterrent, especially for high-profile individuals and celebrities who often spray large sums of cash during public events that go viral on social media.That said, the proposal is already generating heated debate. Critics argue that spraying money at events is a deeply embedded cultural practice tied to celebration, blessing, and showing appreciation for entertainers and that criminalising it more aggressively risks penalising ordinary citizens for cultural expression while doing little to address the structural issues behind currency mutilation, such as poor banking practices, currency hoarding, and counterfeiting.Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, point out that a N500,000 fine is a meaningful deterrent that could help preserve the integrity and lifespan of naira notes, potentially saving the CBN significant costs in printing new currency costs that are usually passed on, in one way or another, to the economy at large.As the bill proceeds through the legislative process, it is likely to attract further scrutiny, public commentary, and possibly amendments before any final version is signed into law. Nigerians particularly those in the entertainment and event-planning industries will be watching closely to see how (or if) this affects long-standing celebratory customs.For now, the bill remains at the stage of second reading, meaning there is still a long road ahead before it could become enforceable law. We’ll continue to track this story as it develops.