The traditional practice of spraying at Nigerian weddings, parties, or live music performances, where guests would joyfully throw stacks of Naira notes over the dancing couple, has now disappeared. It used to be a wild and celebratory display, but it is no longer seen as frequently as before. Nigeria’s EFCC anti-corruption agency has swiftly transformed the societal norms through their recent enforcement actions. The agency has already identified multiple celebrities who have been caught flaunting cash in public, a behaviour that officials believe is disrespectful to the country’s currency.
Nigerians have started getting creative with their spraying techniques at weddings and concerts to avoid being caught by EFCC investigators on social media. In order to celebrate their special occasions, certain individuals are developing their own unique currencies to distribute among guests legally. For instance, one particular couple recently posted a video online featuring bills imprinted with their own images. At a recent party, Cubana Chief Priest, a well-known personality, was seen confidently showing his phone to a singer, indicating that he had made a legitimate online payment to the band after reaching an agreement with the EFCC following his arrest for spraying.
Throwing money recklessly will result in a prison sentence.
Hence, in an effort to stabilize the naira, Nigeria’s government has launched a campaign amidst the significant depreciation of the currency against the dollar following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms implemented a year ago. The crackdown has hit hard for certain Nigerian vocalists. Throwing money recklessly will result in a prison sentence. Currency must be respected. The central bank of Nigeria warns that altering the currency in any way is considered disrespectful to the nation and could result in imprisonment as punishment.
However, prior to this, enforcement of the law has been infrequent. The efforts of the anti-corruption agency to combat Corruption and raise awareness through media outreach have been effective, despite the deeply rooted nature of corruption in Nigerian society. Wilson Uwujaren, the acting spokesperson for EFCC, expressed his disapproval of cultural practices involving the spraying or mutilation of currency. He emphasized the importance of discouraging such actions in order to preserve the integrity of the currency.
In Yoruba tradition, money is traditionally thrown or placed on the head.
There is nowhere else in the world where this practice is acceptable. The goal is to make sure it is no longer allowed. According to Professor Ayodele Yusuff at the University of Lagos, spraying originated in Yoruba Culture as a gesture of gratitude towards dignitaries and performers during festive gatherings. In Yoruba tradition, money is traditionally thrown or placed on the head as a symbol. Over time, this custom has been adopted by various ethnic groups in Nigeria and is now a common practice at weddings, birthdays, and other festive occasions.
Also, the naira is facing challenges during this period. Ever since Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the currency of Nigeria has been affected by the changes he implemented, which were meant to bring long-term benefits to the country. The EFCC’s recent high-profile arrests have significantly dampened the public’s enthusiasm for flaunting wealth through extravagant displays. Bobrisky, a popular transgender celebrity in Nigeria, was recently sentenced to six months in prison for causing a disturbance at a movie premiere by throwing money.
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Additionally, in February, Nigerian actress Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin was sentenced to six months in jail for a video showing her disrespecting money by spraying it and walking on it. However, critics are wondering how certain influential individuals and politicians caught on camera spraying were managing to escape without consequences. Some believe that the agency’s focus on cracking down is simply a publicity stunt rather than addressing the issue of corruption. At a music event in Lagos, a lawyer expressed dismay over the absence of bands being sprayed, stating that weddings have been ruined as a result. This used to be the highlight for attendees.