The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is planning to launch its own digital currency by the end of 2021, the bank’s IT specialist Rakiya Mohammed said.

Mohammed’s disclosure follows the conclusion of the Bankers Committee meeting on Thursday in Lagos state.

According to her, the apex bank has for over two years been exploring the technology and has made tremendous progress.

“Before the end of the year, the Central Bank will be making a special announcement and possibly launching a pilot scheme in order to be able to provide this kind of currency to the populace,” she said.

This follows concerted efforts by the CBN to crack down on cryptocurrency operations in Nigeria.

The regulator had in February ordered banks to shut down any accounts linked to crypto transactions.

Mohammed said when eventually operational, the currency would complement cash notes.

The official said another reason the apex bank plans to come up with digital currency is to make remittances travel easier from abroad to Nigeria.

She said that digital currency would accelerate the ability to meet the target, regardless of one’s country of residence.

The specialist also said that CBN would be exploring various technological options and engaging various industry players as well as moving to the next stage of proof of concept to pilot the scheme.

Mohammed said that CBN considered the architecture, accessibility issue and privacy of the currency before going into it.

Other issues discussed at the bankers’ committee meeting include launch of digital cards as well as foreign exchange availability in banks.