Bitcoin interest strongest in Niger Delta, Southeast leads in Ethereum, Katsina dominates meme coins

Published by
Sulaimon Okikiola

The cryptocurrency landscape in Nigeria reveals significant regional preferences, with the Niger Delta showing the highest interest in Bitcoin. States like Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Rivers lead this charge, reflecting the region’s dominance in Nigeria’s crypto space.

In contrast, the southeast, including Enugu, Anambra, and Delta, is emerging as a stronghold for Ethereum enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Katsina and Borno in the conservative northern regions show substantial engagement with meme coins like Dogecoin.

Interestingly, Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, is not among the top regions for any specific cryptocurrency, despite its bustling fintech scene and being home to several crypto platforms like Quidax.

Also read: Ethereum bucks the trend and Bitcoin slips, but still steady above $19k

Cryptocurrency usage is driven by the need to hedge against naira inflation and the parabolic fluctuations in Nigeria’s fragile foreign exchange market. Stablecoins, Bitcoin, and other digital assets are often used as substitutes for dollars, which are scarce in Nigeria.

Despite regulatory challenges, the Nigerian crypto industry continues to thrive, facilitating millions of dollars in transactions daily and promoting a range of crypto-based solutions, thereby enhancing economic collaboration across the country.

That said, a further analysis of these Regional Cryptocurrency Preferences in Nigeria are explained below:

Niger Delta: Bitcoin Dominance

The Niger Delta states, including Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Rivers, exhibit the highest interest in Bitcoin. This preference is likely influenced by the region’s economic dynamics and the need for alternative financial solutions amid local economic challenges.

Southeast: Ethereum Enthusiasts

Enugu, Anambra, and Delta are emerging as Ethereum strongholds. This trend might be driven by Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities, attracting tech-savvy individuals and developers in the region.

Northern Nigeria: Meme Coin lord

Katsina and Borno are notable for their significant engagement with meme coins like Dogecoin. This unusual trend in the conservative north could be attributed to the speculative and high-risk appetite among young investors looking for quick gains.

Also read: Unveiling the Future: Exploring New Trends in Cryptocurrency

Lagos: Anomaly in the Crypto Space

Surprisingly, Lagos, Nigeria’s financial hub, doesn’t lead in any specific cryptocurrency category despite its vibrant fintech ecosystem. This might suggest a more diversified crypto interest or regulatory impacts affecting user behaviour.

Economic Factors

The overarching driver of cryptocurrency adoption in Nigeria is the need to hedge against the naira’s inflation and the unstable foreign exchange market. Cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins and Bitcoin, provide a reliable alternative to the scarce U.S. dollar, facilitating smoother transactions and preserving value.

Regulatory Environment

Despite regulatory challenges, Nigeria’s crypto industry is robust, with significant daily transaction volumes and a growing array of crypto-based financial solutions. This resilience underscores the potential for cryptocurrencies to enhance economic collaboration and financial inclusion across the country.

Sulaimon Okikiola

Recent Posts

First HoldCo’s Record 2024 Results: New Leadership, Profit Surge, and Market Confidence Define FY2024

In a defining year marked by an audacious boardroom overhaul and a transformation in corporate… Read More

7 hours ago

UPDC Plc Reports Strong Revenue and Profit Growth in 2024 Financial Year

UPDC Plc's financial performance for the year ending December 31, 2024, demonstrates a notable recovery… Read More

19 hours ago

IMF Calls for Strategic Use of Fuel Subsidy Savings After 2025 Article IV Mission to Nigeria

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, the mission chief for Nigeria,… Read More

21 hours ago

US Takes Actions Against Chinese Shipbuilding -USTR

The United States is intensifying its efforts to counter China's dominance in the global maritime,… Read More

1 day ago

US Consulate Supports Year-Long Training Program for Emerging Journalists

With support from the US Consulate General in Lagos, the Media Career Development Network (MCDN)… Read More

1 day ago

China Halts Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports from US

China has ceased all imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, marking… Read More

1 day ago