The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) declared on Monday said the old N200, N500 and N1000 banknotes remain legal tender alongside the redesigned banknotes till Dec. 31, 2023.
It said in a statement issued by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Alhaji lsa AbdulMumin that the decision was reached at a meeting of the Bankers Committee.
“In compliance with established tradition of obedience to court orders the CBN as a regulator and Deposit Money Banks operating in Nigeria have been directed to comply with the Supreme Court ruling of March 3.
“Accordingly, the CBN met with the Bankers Committee and has directed that the old N200, N500 and N1000 banknotes remain legal tender alongside the redesigned banknotes till Dec. 31, 2023.
“Consequently, all concerned are directed to conform accordingly,’’ the CBN stated.
The announcement was an anti-climax.
It came 10 days after the Supreme Court made the order, amid reports that governors were making orders that the old notes remain legal tender.
It also came after President Buhari denied making the Attorney-General of the Federation and the CBN disobey the Supreme Court.
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