Security Features

The Naira banknotes are protected by a number of security features to enable the easy recognition of genuine notes. The distinguishing features which can be recognized by touch and visibility are the raised print, the security thread and the watermark. Other areas such as the portrait, lettering and the denominational numerals on the obverse and reverse of the notes are embossed. The raised prints provide the tactility, while the security thread, which ordinarily, looks broken but is not when held up against light, has "CBN" in small lettering printed on both sides of the notes.

The Naira notes are also protected against photocopying. There are also features, which are visible under ultraviolet light; for example, the serial number on each banknote is black, but turns green under ultraviolet light.

The currency banknotes issued in Nigeria are in: (₦5, ₦10, ₦20, ₦50, ₦100, ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1000). denominations. The lower denominations ((₦5, ₦10, ₦20, and ₦50) are printed on polymer substrate and are 130 X 72 mm in size, while the higher denominations ( ₦100, ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1000) are printed on paper substrate and are 151 X 78 mm in size. The paper and polymer substrates have specific constituents unique to banknotes. The printing process and the materials used provide the currency banknotes with distinctive qualities necessary to give the banknotes a long lifespan in circulation. At the same time, these special features give a distinctive appearance and feel which are meant to protect the banknotes from counterfeiting. see frequently asked questions on Currency Management