Throwing cash in the air - Nigeria's wedding dilemma

The traditional practice of spraying money at weddings in Nigeria has become a subject of controversy, as the authorities have recently intensified their crackdown on this long-standing custom. Spraying money, which involves guests flinging large wads of cash into the air as the bride and groom dance, has been considered a way of expressing appreciation and love for the couple. However, the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007 explicitly prohibits the abuse of the country's currency, the naira, during social occasions, and imposes a fine of 50,000 naira or a six-month prison sentence, or both, for those found guilty of this offense. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken a strong stance against naira abuse and has already prosecuted and convicted numerous individuals, including prominent celebrities and socialites. Despite the deep-rooted nature of this practice in Nigerian culture, some believe that the current economic challenges have led to a reduction in the prevalence of spraying money at social events. Additionally, there are efforts to discourage this practice by warning that the sprayed cash will have negative consequences for the sprayer in the afterlife. While some argue that the government's timing for the crackdown is inappropriate given the more pressing issues facing Nigerians, others believe that the elite should set an example by refraining from this practice. It is also worth noting that the law against naira abuse only applies to the country's currency, leaving room for the super-wealthy elite to continue spraying foreign currencies without fear of prosecution.