Metamask, Moonpay partner to allow Nigerians buy crypto directly

Buying cryptocurrencies in Nigeria just became easier following the partnership between Moonpay and ConsenSys —  enabling direct crypto purchases via bank transfers on MetaMask.

According to a March 21 statement, MetaMask developer ConsenSys disclosed that the new integration by Moonpay will allow users to buy their cryptocurrencies within the MetaMask mobile and Portfolio Dapp.

Push towards accessibility

This significantly improves the usual practice of using credit or debit cards for crypto purchases. “An estimated 90% of credit/debit card attempts to buy crypto in Nigeria are declined,” ConsenSys noted.

According to the announcement, Nigeria is one of the major markets for MetaMask globally, as it ranks third in active mobile users.

“Integrating MoonPay into MetaMask will make it easier for Nigerian users to obtain tokens more efficiently.”

Metamask adoption in Nigeria

Meanwhile, the popularity of MetaMask in Nigeria is a testament to the adoption of cryptocurrencies in the country despite the lack of regulatory clarity. In 2021, the country’s banking regulator — the Central Bank of Nigeria — ordered banks to stop facilitating cryptocurrency transactions and close all crypto-related accounts.

Despite the halting of services, crypto adoption in the country has remained unhindered as peer-to-peer trading becomes more popular. Chainalysis ranked Nigeria in the top 20 on its 2022 Global Crypto Adoption Index.

There is still no regulatory clarity on crypto in Nigeria, although the government appears to have relaxed its stance.

Reports emerged in 2022 that Binance and the Nigerian government are involved in talks to create a virtual free zone — similar to Dubai’s crypto trade zone. The CBN has also said it did not ban cryptocurrency.