Central Bank opens e-Naira website 4 days ahead of October 1 launch date

The website of the anticipated digital currency by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the e-Naira went live yesterday- four days ahead of the launch date- in anticipation of the digital currency’s launch on October 1st.

The website welcomes viewers with a slider showing faces of various Nigerians indicating the diversity in applications of the digital currency. It hones the country’s colours (green and white) and directs viewers to download the mobile app which can be accessed on both the Google play store for android and Apps store for IOS.

CBN in partnership with Bitt Inc, a Barbados-based fintech company will launch the digital currency promising speed, safety and transactional opportunities to consumers and end-users.

The website reads:

“With 81 countries and more on the race to develop own their Central Bank Digital Currencies, let it be very clear that we are not just another CBDC, we are a people-oriented digital currency leveraging technology to connect individuals and businesses for easy trading and financial inclusion. We push the boundaries, bridge the gaps, and tell actual humane stories. We are the foremost audience-centric digital currency brandishing a face.”

The website reveals that initial discussions on the digital currency commenced as far back as 2017 with assessment and handshakes completed in June this year. The design, feasibility and viability research of the currency were achieved between July and August and the Pilot Launch is expected for October 1^st.

The website also reads:

“When the idea was mooted, it was not a bandwagon response to create a CBDC like the rest of the world. We set out with a plan to become a trusted ally to the numerous customers we will serve and our roots continue to be firmly grounded in them. We know what they need because we listen to them every step of the way. No matter where we are in the journey, our goal remains the same – you”.

The eNaira has the objective to enable households and businesses to make fast, efficient, and reliable payments while benefiting from a resilient, innovative, inclusive, and competitive payment system and it hopes to achieve this pillared by principles of, Inclusive economy, Innovation, Efficiency, Resilience and Proudly Nigerian.

While engaging Nigerians on their thoughts on the app, a Director at a prominent Fin-tech firm had this to say;

“…. I like the feel but I think it’s too busy. Even the intellectuals they are trying to reach will probably look for a summary alternative as against reading through…… It’s a grand concept and I like the idea; the website is colourful and interactive. I just hope the mobile app, upon launch will be user-friendly to ensure payments can be made by everyone….”

“…It’s too serious, The sharp edges of the boxes can be rounded a bit to give it a warmer look”

The eNaira Wallet App will be available for download from October 1st. You can visit the official website here eNaira