What the CBN’s Cash Spraying Ban Actually Means for Your Next Party | Galafy
Imagine attending a glamorous Nigerian wedding where the DJ’s discography coupled with the MC’s hype tempts you to fling your entire month’s salary in the air. You want to spray the celebrant, but everywhere you turn, there are cameras, which will most likely produce the next trending owambe videos. So you hesitate and ruminate: Should you? Should you not? What if you become one of the EFCC’s scapegoats for abusing the naira? How much trouble can this act get you into?
Well, if you’ve asked yourself any version of these questions recently, you’re not alone. The CBN’s directive on cash spraying has created genuine confusion, and a lot of Nigerians are navigating the grey zone without a clear map.
In this blog post, we’ll unpack everything you need to know before your next event.
Understanding the CBN’s Stance on Money Spraying at Parties
Over the years, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has made its position on the abuse of naira notes increasingly clear. Under the CBN Act and the Miscellaneous Offences Act, it is an offence to spray, dance on, or otherwise deface Nigerian currency.
This law isn’t new. It’s been on the books since 2007; however, it only started getting enforced some years ago. Starting in early 2023, the EFCC and other agencies actively began cracking down on public events. With video evidence of cash being lavishly sprayed, enforcement officers started inviting people, particularly celebrities, for questioning. Some were fined, while others, like Obi Cubana and Bob Risky, were arrested.
The law didn’t change. The enforcement did. And that changes how we celebrate.
Despite these happenings, enforcement has been inconsistent in practice. Some events have gone completely undisturbed while others have not.
Now, this uncertainty and unpredictability have become a problem as it is hard to enjoy celebrations with complete peace of mind when officers spring out of nowhere and make arrests. (Even Funke Akindele recognises this dilemma in her 2025 blockbuster movie, Behind The Scenes.)
Is it Completely Illegal to Spray Money?
Here’s the honest answer: It depends. While the law prohibits the abuse, defacement, or disrespect of naira notes — of which spraying, particularly the act of throwing money in the air or on the floor, falls under — it does not object to giving money as a gift at a celebration. The problem is the method of throwing, stepping on, and physically disrespecting the note during the spraying act. That’s where enforcement targets.
Thus, giving money to a performer or celebrant directly, in hand, is generally considered acceptable. Throwing it in the air, showering it over someone’s head, or letting it fall to the ground is where legal risk lies.
What this means for Nigerians
To many Nigerians, money spraying isn’t just a party trick; it’s a cultural act with emotional weight. When you spray a performer, you’re saying, “I see your talent. I value this moment. You’ve earned this recognition.” Also, when you spray a celebrant, you’re, without words, saying, “I’m happy for you. I’m here for you. My generosity is my gift.”
Telling Nigerians they can’t spray is akin to saying they can’t hug at weddings. Technically possible. Practically, a different kind of celebration.
The CBN can restrict the method. But they cannot restrict the impulse to celebrate generously. That’s deeper than policy.
This is why the question isn’t whether the spraying culture should be eroded. It’s whether there’s a smarter way to do it.
Modern Alternatives to Cash Spraying in Nigeria
Walk into any Nigerian event today, and you’ll find people navigating this in different ways. Some have started placing money directly into performers’ hands or dropping it into boxes instead of spraying it in the air. Others make calculated arrangements, such as the provision of fake money in exchange for a transfer. There are also those who have stopped altogether, foregoing the joy of the affair.
And then, some’ve discovered Galafy, a digital spraying platform built to preserve the culture of spraying and advance cashless celebrations. It’s legal, easy, smart, and completely secure. All you have to do is fund your wallet, find the performer or celebrant on the app, and spray them in real time.
Using this method ensures that the moment remains intact, without anybody having to look over their shoulder.
Conclusion
If you have a wedding, concert, birthday, or any celebration coming up in Nigeria, understand the risks involved as cash spraying in its traditional form sits in a legally uncomfortable territory at present.
Regardless, there are safe and equally joyful alternatives, in particular digital spraying through Galafy. So inform your event clients, organisers, attendees, and performers (i.e. live bands, hypemen, DJs, and MCs) because this method protects their earnings, too.
Finally, it’s worthy noting that the spraying culture is a resilient one. It has survived colonialism, military rule, and multiple economic crises. Surely, it’s not going to be killed by a regulatory circular. It’s going to evolve, and the smartest version of that evolution is digital.
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