eNaira app back on Google Play after improvement

The recently launched eNaira speed wallet application, which was pulled down from the Google Play Store, is back online after improvements.

The app disappeared from the Google Play Store on Wednesday after over 100,000 users had downloaded it. The app is now back 24 hours after removal by the American tech giant.

The eNaira digital currency application designed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was launched on Monday, October 25, 2021, in Abuja by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nigeria’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) has two applications, which are eNaira speed wallet and eNaira merchant wallet.

On Monday, the two apps were rolled out on the Google play store and the Apple store.

But at about 8 pm or 9:20 pm on Wednesday, the eNaira speed wallet app was no longer available on the play store for download as it has been pulled down.

According to Nigerian media outlets, the app was getting negative reviews from Nigerians, who were disappointed with the tedious e process of registering for the app as required by the CBN.

Google Play can remove an app from its store if such violated policies, including negative reviews.

At the time the app went missing, the CBN spokesperson, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi pointed out that an upgrade was ongoing. The app is now back online.

The eNaira is the digital form of the Nigerian physical Naira currently in circulation. It is issued by the CBN in line with Section 19 of the CBN Act. In essence, it is a direct liability of the Nigerian apex bank. Built on a blockchain open ledger technology that prevents duplication or creation of fake units, each eNaira note will be unique and different.

With a population of 211 million, Nigeria’s CBDC trial now becomes the second largest behind China’s digital yuan. On top of that, over 62 percent of Nigerians are aged 24 or under, making the eNaira available to a largely digitally native population.