The House of Representatives has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, to crack down on any person selling or hawking naira notes.

The house also mandated its committees on Banking and Currency and Police Affairs to interface with Mr Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and IGP to put an end to the practice.

The resolutions were sequel to a motion entitled “Call For a Stop to The Practice of Sale/Hawking of Crisp Naira Notes in Public Places” by Rep. Anayo Nnebe (PDP- Anambra) on Thursday in Abuja.

While moving the motion, Nnebe said that the sale of crisp naira notes was common sites at occasions such as public functions, weddings and social gatherings.

“This ugly trend has continued in spite of the unavailability of crisp naira notes in banks across the country, thus raising crucial questions about where the hawkers obtain the ones they hawk.

“This development is not only at variance with global best practices, but also offends Section 21 (4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, Cap. C4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“This makes it a punishable offence for any person to hawk, sell or otherwise trade in the naira note.”

The house unanimously adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

The committees are expected to report back their findings to the house within six weeks. (NAN)

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