CBN Provides Update on eNaira; now Accessible On Phones Without Internet but BVN, NIN are required

CBN Provides Update on eNaira; now Accessible On Phones Without Internet but BVN, NIN are required

  • The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intends to ease access to the eNaira by allowing individuals without internet-enabled phones
  • Recall the eNaira was scheduled launch on October 1, 2021, but was suspended by the central bank, till further notice
  • Millions of Nigerians with feature phones who have been waiting for eNaira to arrive would be relieved with this important update

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that Nigerians without an internet enabled phones will also be able access eNaira portal for transaction.

The Central Bank of Nigeria revealed this in a document titled "Design paper for the eNaira," which was published on its website.

The apex stated that the new feature would ensure that the uneducated and people without internet connection are not left out.

CBN Provides Update on eNaira
Feature phone Photo by Ozkan Bilgin/Anadolu
Source: Getty Images

Part of the statement reads:

PAY ATTENTION: Subscribe to Digital Talk newsletter to receive must-know business stories and succeed BIG!

Read also

NIN: Why your phone is still barred from making calls after you submitted your details for reactivation

CBN focus on simplicity and ease of use for eNaira to ensure that even Nigerians without Internet-enabled phones may use the service.
However to access users must have NIN and other existing identity infrastructure in Nigeria such as the BVN and TIN.

The statement also revealed that the eNaira portal can be accessed through mobile banking apps, point-of-sale terminals, USSD, fast response code, and Internet banking.

On security CBN added:

“The account-based CBDC model at its core mirrors the progress made on the National Financial Inclusion Strategy which enables access to financial services by leveraging last-mile networks to identify users and to provide banking services through channels such as PoS and USSD.
“With the account-based model, the CBN seeks to enable access by leveraging the existing identity infrastructure in Nigeria such as the BVN, NIN, TIN, etc., to uniquely identify individuals and corporate entities.
“Specifically, identity frameworks such as the NIN will enable access for the financially excluded as they can be uniquely identified, thereby enabling the provision of financial services. These identity systems will help ensure a robust KYC framework positioned to enable access for all Nigerians.”

Read also

CBN: New eNaira updates will support utility bills payment, Air Travel and USSD transactions

What is eNaira?

Meanwhile legit.ng has ealier reported that in July, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released the guidelines on eNaira.

The eNaira will be a non-interest bearing currency and won't serve as a hedge to escape inflation which many have used Bitcoin and Ethereum as

The Central Bank of Nigeria also noted Nigerians won't be charged by the financial institution for the utilisation of the eNaira through POS or the banks,

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.