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Check out my latest YouTube video where I explain every face on the Nigerian naira currency! It's a fascinating journey through history. 🇳🇬💰 Click here to watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHGEi-bh2Hw?si=hdHeB5MB_UJei1JB

Full YouTube Script 👇🏽

5 Naira Note
Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

Rush hour in Lagos and you're crammed into a sweaty bus, on your way home.

Suddenly, the bus screeches to a halt, and a stern-faced conductor blocks your path. You know that look.

"Owo da?" But then, a smooth voice cuts through the tension.

It's Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, on the 5 Naira note staring back at you with a charming smile.

He was Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister. At some point in his life, he also a teacher.
So it's kind of like if your high school principal decided to run the country.

Balewa was all about unity and education, which are pretty important if you're trying to keep a new nation from tearing itself apart.

His voice, legendary for its persuasive power, could talk his way out of anything.

He could even convince that grumpy conductor to give you a free ride... with a joke so funny it would leave everyone laughing out of their seats.

But here's the thing: these days, finding a 5 Naira note is harder than getting NEPA to bring back the light after a rain fall.

Maybe Tafawa Balewa's legendary voice could come in handy now

Imagine him on the radio, his voice smooth as butter, saying: "My fellow Nigerians, lend me your ears, and maybe a spare 5 Naira note if you have one lying around!"

10 Naira Note
Alvan Ikoku

Dr. Alvan Ikoku, the intellectual giant on the 10 Naira note, is known for his boundless knowledge.

Born in 1900, he was a prominent Nigerian educationist and politician.

Ikoku dedicated his life to improving education in Nigeria, founding the Aggrey Memorial College in 1932.

He was very active in the early fight against colonialism and British imperialism.

Look at his portrait—his high forehead is like a billboard for his big ideas.

This guy was an education crusader. He was like the Nigerian version of Oprah.

Except instead of giving out cars, he was out there handing out education. “You get an education! You get an education! Everybody gets an education!”

Dr. Ikoku knew that education was the key to everything, so he made it his mission to get kids off the streets and into classrooms. Can you imagine that today? People actually fighting to learn something? Crazy.

Maybe Dr. Ikoku, with his brilliant mind, could develop a new course titled "Economics 101: How to Survive on a 10 Naira Budget in Modern Nigeria."

Because these days it looks like his forehead is so broad that you can't even see what to buy with the 10 naira note again.

20 Naira Note
Murtala Mohammed

Murtala Mohammed was a general and head of state who left a big mark in a short time.

Think of him as Nigeria's Alexander the Great—came, saw, and conquered, all while looking dashing in a uniform. Murtala was all about action and no-nonsense leadership

Murtala didn’t mess around. He’s the guy you call when you need to get things done yesterday.

Check out his intense gaze—it’s almost like he can see right through your lame excuses!

As Nigeria’s Head of State from 1975 until his assassination in 1976, Murtala is remembered for his bold reforms and commitment to anti-corruption.

The busiest airport in Nigeria, located in Lagos, is also named after Murtala Mohammed.

Ready for some girl power? On the other side of the 20 Naira note, meet Ladi Kwali. Yes, that’s right, the only well-known woman featured on the Nigerian currency! Kwali was a potter whose works were so exquisite they made their way to international exhibitions.

She’s basically the Beyoncé of ceramics.
She took traditional Nigerian pottery to the global stage, proving that art can be both a cultural treasure and a ticket to worldwide acclaim.

50 Naira Note
Assorted Nigerian Ethnic Groups on the 50 Naira Note

The 50 naira note is as diverse as the Nigerian jollof rice—full of different ingredients, all delicious!

The 50 naira note is unique because it doesn't feature a single person. Instead, it’s like a group photo of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, highlighting major groups like the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. The woman in the group symbolizes the middle belt.

It’s like when you get your whole family together for a photo, and everyone actually looks happy. You know it’s rare, but when it happens, it’s magic.

The fifty naira note is a celebration of unity and togetherness.

But these days, unity might be the only thing a 50 Naira note can buy

Maybe if they all chipped in, they could collectively afford a bottle of Coke!
Just a thought. Sharing is caring, after all!

On the back of the note you’ve got a farmer, a fisherman, and a bunch of other everyday heroes.

It’s like Nigeria’s version of the Avengers, showing that every hardworking citizen contributes to the nation’s strength and diversity.

So you mean the Nigerian currency started from N5 🤷🏻‍♂️

Have you heard about 50kobo, N1 and N2? 🤔

You definitely must be a Gen z🧐

Not impressed at all 🥶

BigEnergy16:


Thanks for your feedback.

My video focused on the Nigerian currency notes that are currently in circulation to keep it relevant and concise for viewers.

While it's true that 50 kobo, N1, and N2 were part of Nigeria’s currency history, they aren't used anymore, which is why I didn't include them but I appreciate you bringing this up, maybe it's worth exploring them in a future video on the evolution of Nigerian currency. Stay tuned!

It’s still pertinent you highlighted their existence in the Nigerian Currency Inventory because they haven’t been decommissioned or phased out officially. It was just the state of the economy that rendered them obsolete and fizzled them out of circulation.🤔

A project worth doing is worth doing well. 👌🏻

Imagine presenting this project for a defense, you would be flogged and battered seriously due to your inability to explore the full Nigerian Currency Inventory 🤷🏻‍♂️

Just an ounce of advice 👍


Enjoy🙌🏻

Opportuneke:
So you mean the Nigerian currency started from N5 🤷🏻‍♂️

Have you heard about 50kobo, N1 and N2? 🤔

You definitely must be a Gen z🧐

Not impressed at all 🥶

Thanks for your feedback.

My video focused on the Nigerian currency notes that are currently in circulation to keep it relevant and concise for viewers.

While it's true that 50 kobo, N1, and N2 were part of Nigeria’s currency history, they aren't used anymore, which is why I didn't include them but I appreciate you bringing this up, maybe it's worth exploring them in a future video on the evolution of Nigerian currency. Stay tuned!

Quite the opposite in the UK, the coin’s denomination of their currency is even more common than the notes.

Coming from Nigeria where coins are now taboo, I still find it strange accepting coins when I make sales, preferring card payments instead. But a British man will pay you £20 in coins and you dare not refuse him goods or services because he got no cash or card except clearly written card only businesses.

The order day a minor pay for a £1.60 ticket with 5, 10, 20 and 50 pence coins. I now carry with me a money bag of coins. 5, 10, 20, and 50 pence, then £1, £2 coins.

I believe there are Brits who have never touch a £50 note in their life. Because I recall going shopping with some £50 notes and when we went to cash out, the lady attending us had to call 3 of her colleagues to confirm the authenticity of the £50 notes.

For the Brits, Coins is a heritage and it’s their norm here to preserve heritages something we take for granted in Nigeria.

There was even the rumour of N5000 note the other time. The higher the currency denominations, the more worthless they become and the more extinct the lower currencies become.

Those who spoilt Nigeria should please fix it!

Some of the guys on those notes, especially 5, 10 and 20 Naira could be very angry in their graves, as the economy has rendered them virtually useless. Even Church collection boxes now reject them.

100 Naira Note
Chief Obafemi Awolowo

You see this serious-looking man? That’s Chief Obafemi Awolowo, often rocking those legendary round glasses.

This man wasn’t just a style icon. Oh no, he was a key figure in Nigeria’s independence movement, a trailblazer in education, and the man who essentially said, “Hey, free primary education for all!” He’s like the educational Santa Claus we all wish we had.

Awolowo is credited to have introduced free education in the Western region of Nigeria.

He was the type of politician who actually cared, which is rare these days.
He was like the Captain America of Nigerian politics. Always looking out for the little guy, making sure everyone had a chance to learn and grow. Awolowo was the kind of guy who’d make you feel guilty for not doing more with your life. “Look what I did! What’s your excuse?”

His sharp mind, symbolized by his iconic glasses, helped shape a brighter future for Nigeria

But these days, you need even sharper vision (or maybe a magnifying glass) to see how far 100 Naira can take you.

Okay now listen up. You there. Yes you come close. Closer. Listen In life you are going to make a lot of mistakes but don't ever make the mistake of letting your pastor see you drop N100 naira note in the offering box.

If not this is how he is going to look at you.

200 Naira Note
Sir Ahmadu Bello

This guy was the Sardauna of Sokoto, a big deal in Nigerian politics.

He was the Premier of Northern Nigeria and played a significant role in modernizing the Northern region.

He’s like the original Game of Thrones character, minus the dragons and drama. Bello was all about modernizing his region while maintaining cultural integrity. Think of him as a bridge between the old and the new, with a killer smile.

He's got that classic dignified look, like he just aced a job interview without breaking a sweat.

His smile is so contagious. Once you see it, you can’t help but smile back!

He’s like the wise grandpa everyone respects.
Bello was the guy making sure everyone stayed connected to their roots. It’s like having that one relative who insists on telling you the family tree at every reunion. You roll your eyes, but deep down, you appreciate it.

Unfortunately He was assassinated during the first military coup in Nigeria in 1966.

500 Naira Note
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe

Now we got the five hundred naira note featuring Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Nigeria’s first President and a major figure in the nationalist movement.

Zik had charisma for days. If charisma were a currency, he’d be making Elon Musk look poor. Azikiwe was the guy who could walk into a room and would have everyone's attention in seconds. He was the Man.

He’s like that cool uncle who not only tells you stories about the good old days but was actually the star of those stories. His efforts were crucial in unifying a country bursting with diversity.

Nnamdi Azikiwe was as influential as a trending topic on Twitter. Everyone knew his name. Azikiwe is known for founding the West African Pilot, a militant newspaper used to fight colonialism and advance the quest for self government.

1000 Naira Note
Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Bornu and Dr. Clement Isong


Finally, on the 1000 naira note, we have a two-for-one special featuring Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Bornu and Dr. Clement Isong, two former Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Their serious expressions show they meant business—like two headmasters ensuring the school runs smoothly.

Mai-Bornu and Isong were as critical to Nigeria’s economy as pepper is to any food cooked by a Yoruba woman.

Let’s start with Alhaji Aliyu Mai-Bornu. Picture a financial genius, a man so smart that he became Nigeria's first indigenous Governor of the Central Bank. That’s right, he was the original money man, the king of savings and the king of currency.

When Mai-Bornu stepped in, he wasn’t just counting money; he was shaping the entire financial landscape of Nigeria.

This guy was basically the Tony Stark of Nigerian banking, minus the Iron Man suit. He had a vision for the country’s financial future and the brains to make it happen.

And then, there’s Dr. Clement Isong. If Mai-Bornu was Tony Stark, Isong was like Bruce Wayne—only instead of fighting crime, he was fighting for fiscal stability and good governance.

Dr. Clement Isong, on the other hand, wasn't just a Governor of the Central Bank but also a former governor of Cross River State. It’s like having the financial wisdom of Dangote and the influence of a well-respected Yoruba chief all rolled into one note.

Isong was a man of vision and action, a rare combination that made him a beloved figure in both the financial and political arenas.

In a way, these men were the financial wizards of their time, making sure Nigeria didn’t go broke and ensuring that Nigeria's economy could thrive.