In response various clips, skits, concerns and comments regarding the quality of the redesigned notes, The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) Plc also called MINT, on Friday, explained why the new Naira notes leave ink when rubbed on plain white surfaces.
The company which is responsible for producing the Naira stressed that the best International practice was put in place during production.
In addressing the criticism against the naira notes, NSPM’s Managing Director, Ahmed Halilu said they were of the same substrates as the existing ones and passed through the same printing processes and finishing procedures.
However, it is important to note that new banknotes are generally light when issued, then become heavier in circulation on getting in contact with dirt and moisture.
In addition, the second stage of currency printing (intaglio) requires a heavy deposit of special inks with fairly large particles to give a tactile feeling of the portraits as well as other raised prints by way of design.
The company also disclosed that one ne of the properties of intaglio inks is non-solubility in water and ease of transfer (light stain) on plain white materials owing to the size of the particles.
“This is generally a security feature of all banknotes that easily differentiates them from forged or counterfeited notes.” he added.
He also urged Nigerians not to subject our banknotes to experiment in order to prove a point,” he said.
In other news, President Buhari signs mental health bill into law (Read Here).
