I had always wonderd why the Curency notes used in Nigeria carry Arabic inscriptions. For a very long time this question has been on my mind. I did ask around and never found anyone who had an answer. Well the Inscriptions are said to diaplay the value of the currency in Arabic.
The only time Arabic is used in Nigeria is with the Islamic religion. Islam as we know uses Arabic as it's language, just as the early Church used Latin.
I finaly got an answer from the Central Bank of Nigeria on why this was done.
''Originally when the Arabic inscriptions were used is was meant for the Commercial Market in the North where those who could read could only read in Arabic. But on the newly redesigned notes that will be released on the 28th of February, 2007 the Arabic inscriptions won't be there , in its place will be the three major Nigerian Languages."
While this sounds like a reasonable answer, it still doesn't explain why it took so long for anyone to realise that we don't speak Arabic in Nigeria. I also don't understand why we should have the three major Nigerian langusges on the notes. I'm sure we'll use the notes the way they are. From my own perspective, it would be okay to remove the Arabic inscription and leave it at that.
Well at least I finallay have an answer as well as so many Nigerians. My next question will be to the Nigerian Army and why the only inscription on it's Coat of Arms is also in Arabic!
