Growing up in Nigeria was fun. And there was more fun and nostalgia in spending the Nigerian coin. I recall the purchasing power of 1 kobo and how parents would give their children coins to buy treats like groundnuts, sweets, or biscuits. It wasn’t just about the purchase; it was the joy of holding those shiny coins in our little hands, feeling empowered to make decisions about what to buy.

Back then, coins held significant value. 5 kobo could get you a satisfying snack, while 50 kobo was enough to buy a loaf of bread or a hearty meal at a local canteen. Children learned early lessons in savings by collecting coins in their piggy banks or using them to play games like tossing to see which side landed up. Coins were woven into the fabric of everyday life—used at markets, in schools, and even for church offerings.

It’s heartbreaking to compare those vibrant times to today’s economy, where coins have disappeared, and even lower denominations of the naira struggle to hold any value. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of our currency, making it almost impossible to imagine a time when 1 kobo could buy something meaningful.

The disappearance of coins is more than a loss of currency—it’s a symbol of how far our economy has shifted. It reminds us of a time when money had weight, not just physically but in its ability to truly meet our needs. As we reflect on those days, it’s hard not to feel a pang of nostalgia for the simplicity and stability that coins once brought to our lives.