By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LAGOS — Fuji music icon, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, popularly known as Oganla Fuji and Ijoba Fuji, has pledged the support of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)‘s ongoing campaign against the abuse of the Nigerian currency, the Naira.
Pasuma made this known on Friday, July 18, 2025, during the EFCC’s Naira Abuse Sensitization Campaign held in Lagos State, where he represented the Fuji music community in what he described as a “collective commitment to national values.”
“I am standing in front of you for all Fuji musicians in Nigeria,” he said. “The body I represent is FUMAN — Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria. I have heard what the EFCC chairman said, and I am going to pass the message across to the association and our fans worldwide.”
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He emphasized that Fuji musicians have already begun to align with the Commission’s directive.
“If you’ve been following us lately, you’ll notice we no longer allow fans to spray or throw money during performances. We now use money packs to receive gifts from fans. Every other necessary compliance will follow, and there’s going to be a change very soon,” Pasuma assured.
The campaign event, organized by the EFCC, featured speeches from the Commission’s chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, alongside prominent legal practitioners, politicians, and entertainment figures. It forms part of a larger effort by the Commission to curb the rising trend of Naira abuse, particularly the spraying and mutilation of banknotes at social events — a practice that has drawn public concern and legal sanctions.
Background: Say No to Naira Abuse
The EFCC’s sensitization drive comes in response to the widespread and culturally normalized act of Naira spraying at parties, weddings, and musical performances — an act that violates Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, which prohibits the spraying, dancing or writing on the Naira or any manner of defacing the currency.
Earlier in the year, the EFCC intensified enforcement efforts with several arrests and ongoing prosecutions of high-profile individuals, including celebrities, for public Naira abuse. The move has sparked debates about cultural practices versus national economic responsibility.
Speaking at the Lagos event, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede reiterated the need for public figures and entertainers to lead by example.
“Our cultural values should not override the laws of the land. Public spraying of Naira is not just a violation of the CBN Act; it is an affront to national identity,” Olukoyede said.
In recent months, the EFCC has turned to preventive strategies through advocacy, involving traditional rulers, entertainers, and influencers to help drive a culture shift.
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Friday’s event, attended by both legal minds and celebrities, further signals the EFCC’s intent to build collaborative alliances across society.
Cultural Shift or Clash?
While the move has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some defending the act as cultural celebration, Pasuma’s position adds a crucial voice from the entertainment industry. As one of Nigeria’s most celebrated Fuji musicians, his support may influence thousands of fans and artists to rethink how they celebrate with money.
The EFCC says it plans to take the campaign to more states, targeting event planners, musicians, and influencers, especially those whose public actions carry weight among the masses.
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For the Commission, and for musicians like Pasuma, the message is clear: the celebration of success must not come at the expense of the law.
Watch the video embedded below:
