Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
On Monday, October 25, 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari will formally launch eNaira, the much-awaited electronic Naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria has confirmed.
The digital legal tender for the country introduced by the CBN was initially scheduled for launch on October 1, 2021, but was shelved.
According to the apex bank, the botched introduction was a result of activities clashing with the event and in order not to let other events overshadow the eNaira launch, it was postponed indefinitely.
But on Saturday, the CBN announced next Monday as the new date for the introduction of the electronic currency under the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
A statement issued by the Director of Corporate Communications, Mr Osita Nwanisobi, disclosed that Mr Buhari will perform the formal launch at the State House in Abuja.
It was stated that after the event by the President, the eNaira, which has the theme Same Naira, more possibilities, will become available to Nigerians to use as it would be activated.
The CBN said a structure has been put in place to promptly address any issue that might arise from the pilot implementation of the eNaira, with room for further engagement with “various stakeholders.”
The bank said “the eNaira is a culmination of several years of research work” in advancing the “boundaries of the payments system in order to make financial transactions easier and seamless for every strata of the society.”
According to the central bank, it had robust discussions with “the banking community, fintech operators, merchants and indeed, a cross-section of Nigerians” concerning the eNaira and said it was satisfied with the outcome of the talks, stressing that the eNaira “marks a major step forward in the evolution of money” and would ensure that the digital currency, “like the physical Naira, is accessible by everyone.”
“Given that the eNaira is a journey, the unveiling marks the first step in that journey, which will continue with a series of further modifications, capabilities and enhancements to the platforms.
“The CBN will continue to work with relevant partners to ensure a seamless process that will benefit every user, particularly those in the rural areas and the unbanked population,” it added.
