A Chinese national residing in Lagos State, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was recently filmed tearing up Nigerian currency, specifically believed to be N1000 notes.
The video, which has since gone viral, shows the man dressed only in shorts, pulling Naira notes from his pocket and deliberately tearing them up in front of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) officials. The incident has drawn significant attention, sparking outrage and a demand for accountability, as many Nigerians see the act as a sign of disregard for the nation’s currency and laws.
An X user, @dammiedammie35, who shared the footage, stated that the confrontation took place on Wednesday outside a sealed Chinese company located opposite Eko Kate along the busy Lekki-Epe expressway in Lagos. The user suggested that the man’s actions may have been a form of protest against the officials’ decision to shut down the premises. According to reports, LASEPA officials had sealed the company due to alleged violations of environmental laws, though further details regarding the exact breaches have yet to be confirmed by authorities.
The video footage depicts a chaotic scene: as the LASEPA officials moved in to arrest the Chinese man following his act of defacing the Naira, several Nigerians believed to be employees of the company quickly intervened, attempting to shield him from the officials. The workers reportedly surrounded the LASEPA personnel, pushing them away and escalating tensions as they prevented the man from being taken into custody. The confrontation grew heated, with some bystanders alleging that the workers even made attempts to intimidate the officials.
This incident has ignited widespread backlash online, with many Nigerians expressing their disappointment and anger. The deliberate tearing of Naira notes, particularly by a foreign national, has been interpreted by some as a sign of disrespect towards Nigeria’s sovereignty and financial symbols. Online discussions have seen a surge in calls for the government to take strict action, both against the individual involved and the company itself, to set an example and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s legal tender.
Several commentators have also pointed out the broader implications of the incident, calling for stricter oversight of foreign businesses operating in Nigeria. Some Nigerians voiced concerns over the perceived leniency towards foreign nationals and businesses, questioning if similar actions would be tolerated if a Nigerian were to deface a foreign currency in another country. The situation has spurred debates about national pride, the enforcement of Nigeria’s financial regulations, and the treatment of foreign-owned enterprises.
Meanwhile, LASEPA has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, though sources within the agency have reportedly indicated that the company in question was initially sealed for repeated non-compliance with environmental standards. The agency is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into both the actions of the foreign national and the response of the company’s staff, who actively obstructed law enforcement officials. Legal experts have also weighed in, noting that defacing currency is a punishable offense under Nigerian law, and the incident may serve as a test case for enforcing penalties for such acts.
This incident underscores the growing tension between regulatory agencies and some foreign-owned companies operating in Nigeria, as local authorities strive to maintain environmental standards and financial discipline. The video continues to trend across social media platforms, drawing widespread criticism and adding pressure on the government to respond decisively to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
