The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed as false a viral image circulating on social media claiming the introduction of a new N5,000 banknote featuring President Bola Tinubu.
The image, which quickly gained traction online, sparked widespread reactions and speculation about a possible new high-denomination currency.
However, the apex bank, in a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, clarified that the claim is fake. “This content is fake. Let the public be guided,” the CBN stated.
Further checks on the image using an AI detection tool indicated that it was largely generated using artificial intelligence, reinforcing the bank’s position that the note is not authentic.
The development has reignited conversations around the proposed introduction of a N5,000 note, a plan the CBN initially considered in 2012 but later shelved in 2022.
Despite recurring debates, the bank has not announced any plans to introduce a new denomination, urging Nigerians to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information.