The Central Bank of Nigeria will no longer be launching the eNaira today.
Recall that earlier in the week, CBN said at the opening of the digital currency’s website that it’ll be officially launching on Independence day.
However, on Thursday, the Spokesman of the apex bank, Mr Osita Nwanisobi, announced that it has been postponed in a statement titled ‘CBN defers eNaira launch to mark independence anniversary’.
As to why it’s being postponed, Nwanisobi assured that there is no hidden motive or challenge being encountered, rather the CBN and other partners would cease the opportunity to ensure there are no glitches when it’s finally launched especially with the rural areas and the unbanked population.
Nwanisobi also highlighted that one of the benefits of the eNaira is that it allows peer-to-peer transfer to another person’s eNaira wallet as well as pay for goods and services at selected merchants.
He also noted that not all banks are expected to begin transactions with the eNaira, describing the process as a journey. Banks will need to take it step by step before it’s finally up and running.
Nwanisobi assured that the CBN is aware of concerns expressed about the eNaira, and is putting structures in place to address issues that might arise from the pilot implementation of the eNaira.
The launch of the eNaira was planned to coincide with the independence anniversary. Currently, no new date for launching has been announced.
