Nigeria cracks down on ‘spraying’ money at parties to defend currency

Nigeria’s government has intensified efforts to curb the cultural practice of “spraying” naira notes at social events, a tradition where guests throw money over celebrants during weddings and parties. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is enforcing a 2007 law that criminalizes “naira abuse,” imposing fines and jail sentences of up to six months for offenders. This move aims to strengthen the naira, which has depreciated by 70% due to recent economic reforms, including currency devaluation and subsidy cuts.

Critics argue that targeting ordinary citizens for cultural practices while corrupt elites remain unpunished is a misallocation of resources. The crackdown, which has already led to dozens of convictions, has sparked controversy over cultural expression and selective law enforcement. Despite this, enforcement has not materially improved the currency’s performance, prompting skepticism about its effectiveness. Some view the policy as an attempt to foster patriotism and respect for the currency, though questions remain about whether punitive measures are the right approach.

The act of spraying remains deeply embedded in Nigerian culture, especially among the Yoruba, highlighting a tension between tradition and economic reform. The EFCC has stated that it prosecutes without fear or favor, emphasizing that the act of mutilating the naira notes has become a menace. However, some Nigerians feel that the EFCC should focus more on high-profile corruption cases rather than cultural practices.

In response to the crackdown, some individuals have turned to alternative methods of displaying wealth at social gatherings. For instance, some have opted to spray U.S. dollars instead of naira, circumventing the law against defacing the national currency. This shift has raised concerns about the dollarization of the economy and the potential impact on the naira’s value.

The debate over the spraying of money at parties underscores the broader challenges Nigeria faces in balancing cultural traditions with economic policies aimed at stabilizing the national currency. As the government continues to enforce these measures, the conversation about the intersection of culture, law, and economic policy in Nigeria is likely to evolve.