Valentine’s Day is here, and one gift idea that has gone viral in Nigeria over the last few years is the money bouquet: crisp naira notes folded and arranged like flowers for your partner.

But in 2026, that romantic trend is facing a hard stop.

Just ahead of Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2026), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reminded Nigerians that using naira notes to make money bouquets, cash cakes, cash towers or other decorative displays is against the law and could land you in trouble.

Why Money Bouquets Are Now a Legal Problem

The CBN says arranging banknotes as decorations is a form of “naira abuse,” because folding, pinning, stapling, taping or gluing notes can damage them.

Damaged notes can’t be used by banks or ATMs, and replacing them costs money and time, so the law treats this as an offence.

This is not some new law the CBN suddenly made up, it is part of existing currency protection rules that are now being more strictly enforced around Valentine’s Day when such displays are most common.

What You Could Actually Be Fined or Punished With

Under Section 21 of the CBN Act, anyone caught abusing or defacing the naira could face:

• At least 6 months in prison,

• A minimum fine of ₦50,000

  

So that money bouquet you thought was romantic could actually cost you money or more, just when you thought you were giving a memorable gift.

This ban isn’t about stopping you from giving cash as a gift.

You are still free to give money just not in a way that damages the notes.

You can put cash in an envelope or transfer money digitally through bank apps or send as e-gift cards.

None of these involve harming the physical naira, and they keep your Valentine’s Day legal and stress-free.

Every year around Valentine’s Day, social media feeds fill up with creative gift ideas, and money bouquets have been one of the flashiest. But authorities are making it clear that creative doesn’t mean okay when it comes to legal tender

Whether you love the idea or think it’s over-the-top, the bottom line is simple: treat the naira with respect.

It’s the nation’s currency, not a party decoration.

So, this Valentine’s Day (today), skip the money bouquet and go for something just as thoughtful, without risking a fine or jail time.

Because roses are red, violets are sweet and your love shouldn’t get you in trouble.