TheCable

The house of representatives has urged Ibrahim Idris, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to crack down on any person selling or hawking crisp naira notes.

The house also mandated its committees on banking and currency and police affairs to interface with Godwin Emefiele, governor of the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) and IGP with a view to putting an end to this practice.

The resolutions of the house was sequel to motion entitled ‘Call for a stop to the practice of sale/hawking of crisp naira notes in public places’ sponsored by Anayo Nnebe.

While moving the motion on the floor of the house, Nnebe said the sale of crisp naira notes could be seen at occasions such as public functions, weddings and social gatherings.

“This ugly trend has continued despite the unavailability of crisp naira notes in banks across the country, thus raising crucial questions about where the hawkers obtain the ones they hawk,” he said.

“This development is not only at variance with global best practices, but also offends section 21 (4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, Cap. C4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which makes it a punishable offence for any person to hawk, sell or otherwise trade in the naira note.”

The house adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by Yakubu Dogara, the speaker.

The committees are expected to report back to the house within six weeks.