See The Meaning Of The Arabic Writing On The Naira Notes - Legitvibes May 2026

The writing on Nigerian Naira notes is not Arabic, but rather the Ajami script, a system using Arabic letters to write local languages like Hausa, intended to indicate denominations to literate users. Contrary to claims of "Islamization," the Central Bank of Nigeria maintains the script is a secular, historical, and cultural feature intended to facilitate financial inclusion. For a detailed explanation of the script's origin, read this report from BBC .

EXPLAINER: What is this 'Arabic sign' on the naira all about? The writing on Nigerian Naira notes is not

Letter from Africa: Culture clash over Nigeria's rival alphabets but rather the Ajami script