MONDAY- 4th October, 2021: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has deferred the launch of its digital currency, called e-Naira, just hours before it was set to launch on Independence day, October 1st.
The suspension was announced in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday in a press statement by CBN spokesman, OsitaNwanisobi.
According to him, the suspension of the launch was to allow other independence day related events slated for the 61st independence anniversary celebration of the country take place.
He further explained that the CBN made the decision to suspend the launch which would have initially coincided with the Independence day celebration, to focus on the independence anniversary and the rededication to the collective dream of One Nigeria.
While assuring the citizens that there was no cause for alarm, he added that the CBN and its partners were ensuring all hands were on deck to ensure a seamless process when the digital currency is eventually launched.
Mr. Nwanisobi while highlighting some of the benefits of the eNaira, stressed that the eNaira would help reduce the use of cash and ensure stability of the Nigerian economy.
As of this moment however, no new date has been rescheduled for the launch of the digital currency.
Nigeria is set to follow China and others by tapping into the popularity of cryptocurrency and virtual currency with the adoption of a central bank-backed digital currency.
The CBN had earlier in October announced the launch of the eNaira, the first central bank-backed digital currency.
