Features of Nigerian Currency

The various features on the Naira include images depicting culture, agricultural produce, mineral resources, portraits of national heroes and heroines, and security features, which have been skilfully incorporated for both security and aesthetic purposes.

Cultural Features

The diversity of the Nigerian culture has been incorporated in the design of the currencies. Culture is an intricate value of a nation’s treasures as seen in the internationally acclaimed ‘Nkpokiti dancers’ on the five Naira (₦5); The Fulani Milk maids on the ten naira (₦10); Pottery works by Ladi Kwali on the twenty Naira (₦20); ‘Ukara cloth’ emblem on the one hundred Naira (₦100).

Agricultural Produce (Features)

Agriculture is of great importance to Nigeria, as it is a source of economic growth.

  • Cattle
  • Palm fruit (Kernel)
  • Millet
  • Maize
  • Cocoa
  • Yams
  • Groundnut pyramid
  • Fishermen displaying their catch

Mineral Produce (Features)

Petroleum, tin mining and other minerals are the nation’s natural resources and major source of income to the country. The significance is portrayed by the oil rig on the ₦500 banknote.

Heroes/Heroines

Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Bornu

In 1962, Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Bornu became the first Nigerian to be appointed Deputy Governor. On July 25th, 1963, he was appointed as the first indigenous Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He retired in 1967.

Dr. Clement Isong

Dr. Clement Nyong lsong was appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in August 1967. He governed the Central Bank of Nigeria during the Nigerian Civil War (July 1967 - January 1970) and during the oil boom. He retired in 1975.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, was a statesman, journalist, politician, and one of the founders of modern Nigeria. He was elected in both the Western and Eastern Houses of Assembly, and later became Premier of the Eastern Region (1952 - 1959). At the Federal level, he served as Senate President, Governor-General (1960 - 1963) and later President (1963 - 1966). He is known as the 1st civilian president of the country. He was widely cherished for his belief and action in one Nigeria.

Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello

Sir Ahmadu Bello was the late Sardauna of Sokoto and a Nigerian political leader. In 1949, Sir Ahmadu Bello co-founded the Northern People's Congress, and he was successively regional Minister of Works, Local Government and Community Development. In 1954, he became the first Premier of Northern Nigeria, a position he held until 1966.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo

Chief Obafemi Awolowo was elected Premier of Western Nigeria from 1954 to 1959, after which he became the opposition leader in the Federal House of Representatives. He was appointed a Federal Commissioner for Finance and Deputy Chairman of the Federal Executive Council, a position he held until 1971.

General Murtala Ramat Muhammed

General Murtala Muhammed, was the Head of State from July 1975-February 1976 He was the first national hero whose portrait was featured on a banknote.

Ladi Kwali

Ladi Kwali was born in the village of Kwali in the Gwari region of Northern Nigeria, where pottery was an indigenous female tradition. She learned to make pottery as a child from her aunt using the traditional method of coiling. Her pots were noted for their beauty and aesthetics. She was recognised as a gifted and eminent potter.

Dr. Alvan Ikoku

Dr. Alvan Ikoku, a prominent educationist and politician participated in politics, serving both in the Eastern Nigeria House of Assembly as well as the Legislative Council in Lagos.

Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was a renowned politician. He was the first Prime Minister of Nigeria (1957), he retained his position at independence in 1960. He was widely admired for his simplicity and humility and tagged the 'Golden Voice of Africa'.

Sir Herbert Macaulay

Sir Herbert Macaulay was one of the first Nigerian nationalists and for most of his life a strong opponent of many colonial policies. To further his political activities, he co-founded the Nigerian Daily News and also founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).

Security Features

Each Naira banknote is embedded with unique security features to protect the banknotes from counterfeiters. These features vary from those we can see with our eyes (look), touch with our hands (feel), and those that reflect or illuminate under varying light conditions (tilt).

Water Mark

On tilting the paper notes (₦1000, ₦500, ₦200 and ₦100) towards a bright light, it reveals an electrotype water mark

Security Thread

All the paper banknotes are embellished with a security thread which runs vertically across the notes. When raised/tilted towards the light, the broken thread becomes a long straight line.

Unique Serial numbering

These are sets of unique numbers visible on all the banknotes (polymer and paper). Note that no two banknotes have the same serial number

Lift Twin

This security feature is found only on the ₦500 and ₦200 banknotes. When tilted, a latent image of an eagle and the number 200/500 appears

Kinegram

This security feature is found only on the ₦1000 banknote. It is a gold foil which changes colour to a shining green. When tilted, it reveals the Coat of Arms and 1000.

QR Code

Quick Response (QR) bar code contains information about the Nigerian centenary story when scanned with a smart phone.

Optical Variable Ink

This is found on the ₦1000, ₦500, ₦200 banknotes, while the ₦100 banknote has Optical Variable Magnetic Ink (OVMI). It reflects and changes colour when tilted.

Intaglio Raised Print

This is a raised print that allows you to feel the images registered on the banknotes. Found on all banknotes.

Continuity Design

When the banknotes are folded edge-to-edge, the design on the note forms a continuous pattern. This is found on all banknotes.

Tactile Marks & Shapes

These embossed marks allow the visually impaired users to feel and identify the banknotes. It is found on ₦100 and all polymer banknotes.

G-Switch Transparent Window & Shadow image

This is found on all the Polymer banknotes.

See Through Images

These marks are security features found on ₦1000, ₦100 and all polymer banknotes