President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release the old N200 note into circulation until April 10th, 2023 when it will stop being legal tender.
The President made the announcement in a national broadcast to Nigerians on Thursday morning (January 16, 2023) in reaction to the escalating cash scarcity as a result of the redesigning of the N200, N500 and N1,000 notes and the nationwide uproar with attendant development.
He assured Nigerian that the CBN would continue to ensure the new notes are released into the system for access as the administration continues to monitor the success of the policy to ensure Nigerians are not suffering unnecessarily.
The President blamed those he described as unscrupulous banking operators for the hardship so far faced by the citizens, stating the policy is good for the economy of the country.
“To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.
“In line with Section 20(3) of the CBN Act 2007, all existing old N1000 and N500 notes remain redeemable at the CBN and designated points.
“Considering the health of our economy and the legacy we must bequeath to the next administration and future generations of Nigerians, I admonish every citizen to strive harder to make their deposits by taking advantage of the platforms and windows being provided by the CBN.”
