22/10/2025
It is an Offense: Stop Using the Nigerian Coat of Arms on Fez Caps.
It is a criminal offense to place the Nigerian Coat of Arms on a fez cap. Nigeria is not a private company or a clubhouse where individuals can do whatever they like with state symbols.
The governing law on this issue is the Coat of Arms, Flag and Other Provisions Act, Chapter C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. This Act explicitly prohibits and criminalizes the misuse of the National Coat of Arms.
The law makes no distinction regarding the medium. Whether it is printed on paper, engraved on metal, or woven into fabric like a fez cap, the act of unauthorized reproduction and use is the offense. The fez cap is considered an "article" on which the symbol is displayed, which is explicitly forbidden.
Can an ordinary citizen legally use the Coat of Arms? No. A private citizen cannot crest the Coat of Arms on a fez cap or any other item for personal use. This is not merely a civil infringement but a criminal offense.
The Coat of Arms is our collective symbol of national pride and authority. As a citizen, I cannot fold my arms and allow anyone to denigrate this sacred emblem.
If you wish to show patriotism, you can use the Nigerian flag, as its use by citizens is governed by different, more permissive guidelines. The Coat of Arms, however, is reserved for official state use.
Therefore, I call on President Tinubu to call his son, Seyi, to order. He is publicly violating this law. Such actions show disrespect to Nigeria and its citizens, and no one should be above the law.
Fela Castro, for truth and justice.