By Adedapo Adesanya

The Dangote Group has announced plans to begin its own crude production, to help cover shortfalls in local crude feedstocks, in the coming weeks through its upstream assets.

According to Mr Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of the Dangote Group, the company has commenced early testing on crude from its Niger Delta licenses.

In an interview with Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, the official said the company has already begun standard well testing and is preparing to scale up output.

“We have opened a well and begun standard testing, which should be completed in the next three to four weeks, maximum.

“After that point, oil can start to be pumped in larger volumes, and the company can begin work on drilling new wells,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr David Bird, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Dangote refinery, said the upstream assets could provide a more stable crude supply for the refinery.

“Alongside its upstream interests, the company is seeking to establish its own shipping presence to help reduce logistics costs and improve the reliability of its crude sourcing,” Mr Bird said.

While confirmation has come from the company, the Nigerian government or the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is yet to officially confirm the development.

The 650,000 barrels-per-day facility has been able to get enough feedstock locally under the federal government’s Crude-for-Naira initiative, leading it to source crude from international markets at a premium, which is partly responsible for the high cost of petrol and other fuels.

However, in April 2026, the NNPC said it would increase its crude supply to Dangote Refinery to seven cargoes.

The refinery, on several occasions, has stated it sources the majority of its crude oil outside Nigeria despite being the country’s Naira-for-crude sale deal.

Last month, it said the NNPC only gave it four to five cargoes, which is less than 50 per cent of expected volumes. The majority of Nigeria’s crude is tied to joint ventures with international oil companies.

With the latest development, it would help reduce the dependency on international crude as well as allow Dangote to ease some of its import costs.

As the digital asset market continues to expand, more users are paying attention not only to which cryptocurrencies are trending, but also to how they can take part in the market with less complexity. For many people, traditional mining has started to feel too expensive, too technical, and too demanding to manage. That is why cloud-based participation is becoming more visible as a practical alternative.

In this environment, BM Blockchain is attracting attention as a platform designed to simplify crypto participation. By offering new users a $108 welcome bonus, the platform is creating a more appealing first step for people who want to explore digital asset opportunities without dealing with hardware ownership, complicated setup, or long-term maintenance.

Why More Users Want a Simpler Path Into Crypto

Interest in digital assets remains strong, but many users no longer want to enter the market through methods that require specialized machines and technical expertise. Traditional mining often involves high upfront equipment costs, electricity use, cooling demands, and continuous system management. These challenges can make direct participation difficult for people who are curious about crypto but do not want the operational burden.

Cloud-based models help change that experience. By allowing users to access participation through an online structure instead of running hardware themselves, they make the process feel more manageable and less intimidating. For many users, that shift is becoming one of the most important reasons to consider cloud-based crypto access in 2026.

This approach can be especially attractive because it offers:

• a more accessible starting point
• less technical responsibility
• no need to purchase and manage hardware
• easier access to crypto-related participation
• more flexibility when following different digital asset stories

Why Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, and Dogecoin Still Matter

Even as participation models evolve, user attention continues to center on a few major digital asset names.

Bitcoin remains the most recognized mining-related asset in the market and continues to shape how many people think about crypto participation. Its long-standing market position makes it the reference point for many users exploring digital assets.

XRP remains highly visible because of its familiarity and strong public recognition. For many users, it feels easier to follow than more technical blockchain narratives, which helps it maintain broad appeal.

Ethereum continues to matter because of its importance to blockchain utility, smart contracts, and the wider crypto ecosystem. It remains one of the strongest technology-linked narratives in the market.

Dogecoin continues to attract attention because of its approachable image, broad retail popularity, and strong public visibility. It remains one of the most familiar crypto stories for everyday users.

Together, these digital assets show why the market continues to attract a wide range of participants. Some users are drawn by mining history, some by utility, some by familiarity, and others by community-driven popularity. What many now share, however, is a growing interest in simpler participation methods.

Why Cloud-Based Participation Feels More Relevant in 2026

One of the biggest changes in the market is that users are paying more attention to convenience. Instead of focusing only on price movements or older mining models, they are also comparing how easy a platform feels to use. This is where cloud-based participation has gained an advantage.

Rather than requiring users to become equipment operators, cloud-based platforms give them a route into the market through a simpler and more service-led format. That makes the experience feel closer to a digital platform model than a technical infrastructure project. In 2026, this difference is becoming more important as new users look for ways to participate without facing unnecessary complexity.

How BM Blockchain Positions Itself

BM Blockchain is aligning itself with this trend by emphasizing easier onboarding and a more accessible participation model. Instead of asking users to take on the full burden of traditional mining, the platform presents a cloud-based structure designed to lower barriers from the beginning.

This may be especially appealing to users who want exposure to major digital asset themes such as Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, and Dogecoin while avoiding the technical demands of direct mining. By reducing friction and simplifying entry, BM Blockchain presents itself as a more approachable option for people exploring digital assets for the first time.

The $108 Bonus Adds More Value at the Start

For many first-time users, a welcome incentive can make the difference between passive interest and actual registration. BM Blockchain’s $108 welcome bonus gives new users a clear reason to explore how the platform works and what cloud-based participation can offer.

In a competitive market, this kind of onboarding benefit can help reduce hesitation, create a stronger first impression, and make the platform feel more worthwhile from the beginning. It also reinforces the broader message that entering crypto does not always need to start with complexity.

Conclusion

The digital asset market is becoming more accessible as user expectations continue to change. More people are now looking for flexible and convenient ways to explore crypto opportunities without the operational burden of traditional mining.

As Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, and Dogecoin continue to hold user attention in 2026, cloud-based participation models are becoming increasingly relevant for those who want a simpler route into the market. With its cloud-based structure and $108 welcome bonus for new users, BM Blockchain is positioning itself as a practical choice for people who want to explore digital asset opportunities through a more manageable path.

By Adedapo Adesanya

It was green for the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange on Monday, April 20, as it recorded a 0.52 per cent appreciation.

During the session, the NASD Unlisted Security Index (NSI) added 20.31 points to close at 3,913.46 points compared with last Friday’s 3,893.15 points, and the market capitalisation went up by N12.15 billion to close at N2.341 trillion versus the previous N2.329 trillion.

Yesterday, there were five price gainers led by MRS Oil Plc, which added N19.75 to sell at N217.50 per share compared with the previous price of N197.75 per share. Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc appreciated by N1.02 to trade at N59.02 per unit versus N58.00 per unit, IPWA Plc grew by 66 Kobo to N7.27 per share from N6.61 per share, Lighthouse Financial Services Plc increased by 7 Kobo to 79 Kobo per unit from 72 Kobo per unit, and Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc chalked up 3 Kobo to sell at 66 Kobo per share versus 63 Kobo per share.

Data from Monday’s trading session showed that the volume of securities traded rose by 86.4 per cent to 245,830 units from 131,870 units, but the value of securities slowed by 37.2 per cent to N11.1 million from N17.8 million, while the number of deals remained unchanged at 24 deals.

The most traded stock by value on a year-to-date basis was Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Plc with 3.4 billion units worth N8.4 billion, followed by CSCS Plc with 58.8 million units sold for N4.0 billion, and Okitipupa Plc with 27.8 million units transacted for N1.9 billion.

Similarly, the traded stock by volume on a year-to-date basis was GNI Plc with 3.4 billion units traded for N8.4 billion, trailed by Resourcery Plc with 1.1 billion units valued at N415.7 million, and Infrastructure Guarantee Credit Plc with 400 million units exchanged for N1.2 billion.