Quiz: How Well Do You Know Nigerian Currency Notes?
The Nigerian naira is more than just the money we use every day. Its banknotes feature some of the country’s most important historical figures, cultural traditions and national landmarks.
From the portraits of Tafawa Balewa and Nnamdi Azikiwe to the images of Ladi Kwali and the Nkpokiti dancers, each denomination has details worth knowing.
How well do you recognise these features? Take this Nigerian currency quiz and see how many you can answer correctly.
1. Which Nigerian currency note carries the portrait of Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa on the front?
Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's first Prime Minister, appears on the front of the ₦5 note.
2. Which cultural group is depicted on the back of the ₦5 note?
The back of the ₦5 note features the Nkpokiti dancers from southeastern Nigeria.
3. Which Nigerian personality appears on the front of the ₦10 note?
Dr Alvan Ikoku, a prominent Nigerian educationist, is featured on the front of the ₦10 note.
4. What is depicted on the back of the ₦10 note?
The back of the ₦10 note features Fulani milkmaids, reflecting an aspect of Nigerian culture.
5. Which former Nigerian Head of State appears on the front of the ₦20 note?
General Murtala Ramat Muhammed appears on the ₦20 note. The denomination was first introduced in 1977, on the first anniversary of his assassination.
6. Which famous Nigerian potter is featured on the back of the ₦20 note?
The back of the ₦20 note features Ladi Kwali, internationally recognised for her pottery work.
7. Who appears on the front of the ₦100 note?
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the former Premier of the Western Region, is featured on the front of the ₦100 note.
8. Which natural landmark is featured on the back of the ₦100 note?
Zuma Rock, a prominent landmark in Niger State, is depicted on the back of the ₦100 note.
9. Which former Premier of Northern Nigeria appears on the ₦200 note?
Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and former Premier of Northern Nigeria, is featured on the ₦200 note.
10. Which Nigerian nationalist appears on the ₦500 note?
Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria's first President, appears on the ₦500 note.
11. Which two former Central Bank of Nigeria governors are featured on the ₦1,000 note?
The ₦1,000 note features the portraits of Aliyu Mai-Bornu and Clement Isong, the first and second indigenous governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
12. What image appears on the back of the ₦50 note?
The reverse of the ₦50 note depicts local fishermen with a large catch.
13. Which Nigerian banknote was the first to carry the portrait of a prominent Nigerian citizen?
When the ₦20 note was introduced on 11 February 1977, it became the first Nigerian banknote to feature the portrait of a prominent Nigerian citizen, General Murtala Muhammed.
14. In which year was the ₦50 banknote introduced?
The ₦50 note was introduced in October 1991. It was redesigned in 2007.
15. In which year was the ₦100 banknote introduced?
The Central Bank of Nigeria introduced the ₦100 note in December 1999.
16. In which year did Nigeria replace the pound with the naira as its major currency unit?
Nigeria adopted the naira and kobo in January 1973, replacing the pound and shilling system. One naira was equivalent to ten shillings.
17. In which year did the Central Bank of Nigeria first issue Nigerian currency notes and coins?
The CBN issued Nigerian currency notes and coins for the first time on 1 July 1959, replacing currency issued by the West African Currency Board.
18. In which year was the ₦1,000 banknote first introduced?
The ₦1,000 banknote was introduced in October 2005.
19. Which group of Nigerian banknotes is printed on polymer rather than paper?
The four lower denominations—₦5, ₦10, ₦20 and ₦50—are printed on polymer. The ₦100, ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1,000 notes are printed on paper.
20. Which Nigerian banknote has a security feature called a Kinegram?
The ₦1,000 note has a gold-foil security feature called a Kinegram. When tilted, it reveals the Coat of Arms and the denomination.
Share your Results:
Questions? Advert? Click here to email us.
