The Rise of Central Bank Digital Currency in Nigeria
It is reported that due to a shortage of cash, Nigerians are turning to the country\’s central bank digital currency (CBDC). The Governor of the Central Bank of
It is reported that due to a shortage of cash, Nigerians are turning to the country’s central bank digital currency (CBDC). The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, told reporters at a news conference that since October last year, the number of eNaira wallets has increased more than 12 times to 13 million, and this year’s transaction value has increased 63% to 22 billion naira (US $48 million). The country’s CBDC was launched in October 2021. (Bloomberg)
The number of eNaira wallets in Nigeria has reached 13 million, with a 63% increase in transaction value during the year
Introduction
– Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported a rapid growth in the use of its digital currency, eNaira, due to shortage of cash in the country.
– This article will discuss the reasons behind this sudden shift towards digital currency and its potential impact on the Nigerian economy.
The Emergence of eNaira
– CBN launched eNaira in October 2021 as a new digital currency.
– This was done in response to the increasing use of cryptocurrencies in Nigeria and the need to curb illegal activities such as money laundering.
– eNaira is pegged 1:1 to the Nigerian Naira, the country’s fiat currency.
– It can be used for peer-to-peer transactions, payments of goods and services, and remittances.
The Growing Popularity of eNaira
– The rapid increase in eNaira’s adoption can be attributed to the shortage of cash in Nigeria.
– Due to the scarcity of physical cash, many Nigerians have resorted to using digital currency as a means of payment.
– This trend has caused a surge in the number of eNaira wallets, which has increased more than 12 times since its launch.
– The value of transactions made with eNaira has also surged by 63%, reaching 22 billion Nigerian naira (US $48 million) this year.
Benefits of eNaira
– The popularity of eNaira has several benefits for the Nigerian economy.
– Firstly, it offers a more secure and efficient mode of payment compared to traditional banking methods.
– Secondly, it has the potential to reduce the cost of transactions between individuals and businesses, thereby increasing financial inclusion in the country.
– Thirdly, eNaira could help to reduce the circulation of counterfeit currency in the economy.
Challenges faced by eNaira
– Despite its benefits, eNaira still faces some challenges.
– One of the main challenges is the issue of internet connectivity which can be a barrier for those living in rural areas or without stable internet connection.
– Another challenge is the lack of financial literacy among Nigerians, which could hinder adoption of eNaira.
– Furthermore, the volatility of cryptocurrencies raises concerns about the stability of eNaira as a digital currency.
Conclusion
– The increase in the adoption of eNaira in Nigeria is a positive development towards a digital economy.
– Though eNaira faces some obstacles, it presents great potential for improving the efficiency and security of financial transactions in Nigeria.
FAQs
1. How do I get an eNaira wallet?
– You can create an eNaira wallet by visiting your bank and registering for an account.
2. Is eNaira safe to use?
– Yes, eNaira is safe to use as it is regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria and operates within Nigerian law.
3. How can eNaira help to reduce counterfeiting?
– eNaira is designed to be difficult to counterfeit, making it a more secure option than traditional paper currency.
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