The much-anticipated launch of Nigeria’s Central Bank digital currency, eNaira, by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been postponed.
The launch of eNaira had been slated to hold on the sideline of Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary.
Mr Osita Nwanisobi, the CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, while announced the development in Abuja, stated that the CBN took the decision to postpone the launch, in consideration of other activities lined up to commemorate the day.
Nwanisobi noted in a statement:
“The CBN took the decision to postpone the launch, which had been initially planned to coincide with the Independence anniversary, in deference to the mood of national rededication to the collective dream of One Nigeria.”
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The CBN’s Director of Communications also stated that the CBN and other partners are dedicated to ensuring a smooth process that benefits customers in general, particularly those in rural regions and the unbanked. He assured that there is no cause for alarm.
However, there are concerns that the postponement may be unconnected with the notice of trademark infringement served to the CBN over the adoption of the name “eNaira.”
According to a document titled “Infringement of Trademark & Violation of Corporate Name: Cease and Desist Notification to the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the notice was signed by Olakunle Agbebi Esq for Olakunle Agbebi & Co .
Nwanisobi, while stressing the advantage of the digital currency when it fully comes into full operation, stated that Nigerians will be able to send money to each other’s eNaira wallets as well as pay for goods and services at selected merchants.
In response to questions about banks, financial institutions, and other financial ecosystem stakeholders’ readiness for the introduction of the eNaira, he reaffirmed that the digital currency is a journey and that not all bank customers will be able to transact on the day of its debut.
