A video of a trader in Argungu, Kebbi State accepting everything from ancient cowries to modern-day naira notes has gone viral online, sparking a fresh wave of fascination on social media.
The clip, shared over the weekend, shows the trader engaging crowds at his stall while proudly displaying a spectrum of currencies once used in Nigeria’s monetary history.
Captured during the Argungu International Fishing Festival, the footage drew the attention of spectators who gathered to witness the unusual trade practice.
In his post, photojournalist FotoNugget highlighted the diverse currencies the trader claimed to accept, writing, “This trader accepts and trades with all the currencies we ever used in Nigeria…” before listing them in chronological order.
According to the description, the trader handled, Cowries — used as money in pre‑colonial Nigeria (before the 19th century)
Manillas — metal bracelet forms of currency used between the 15th and 19th centuries
British West African Pound — the colonial currency prior to Nigeria’s independence
Nigerian Pound — the nation’s currency from 1959 to 1973
Naira notes and coins — current legal tender in Nigeria today.
While cowries, manillas and the old pounds are no longer legal tender, the display has been widely interpreted not as an actual means of payment but as a creative educational showcase of the nation’s evolution of money, reflecting on centuries of economic history.
The PUNCH reported that the video has prompted praise online, with many applauding the trader’s imaginative approach and how it blends historical appreciation with everyday commerce.
