In the heart of Kano, Steven Nwafor, an accountant by profession, has found a new way to supplement his income—through cryptocurrency mining. Like thousands of Nigerians, Nwafor has turned to digital currency in search of financial freedom. His efforts have paid off, netting him over N2 million in the past year.
“Crypto has really impacted lives. I’m one of its beneficiaries,” Nwafor proudly says. Inspired by his success, he even created a WhatsApp group called Digital World Opportunity, where 64 members actively exchange the latest tips and opportunities in the world of digital mining. He explains that the group’s aim is to build a community focused on exploring the rapidly growing potential of crypto mining apps.
With over 40 million people participating in popular mining apps like DOGS, it’s clear that digital currency is not just a passing trend. However, not everyone is convinced. As crypto fever continues to spread, some are questioning whether it’s truly a sustainable path to financial success—or just another distraction.
The Allure of Crypto: Mining for a Better Future
Across Nigeria, cryptocurrency mining has captured the attention of people from all walks of life. From young professionals to middle-aged commuters, many are engaging in mining apps like Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and TapSwap, all hoping to make significant returns. In Lagos, you might spot commuters engrossed in their phones, tapping furiously while stuck in traffic jams. For these tappers, the promise of quick money keeps them glued to their screens despite the noise and chaos around them.
“I was intrigued by the potential to earn income through something that seemed like fun,” says a 25-year-old female corps member serving in Abeokuta. She has spent the last five months mining various coins on apps like Hamster Kombat, Memefi, Blum, and DOGS. But despite her time and energy, the returns have been underwhelming. “So far, I’ve only earned $38, and it feels like a loss considering the effort I’ve put in,” she shares, visibly disappointed.
Her experience with Hamster Kombat in particular left her dissatisfied. “The game was entertaining, but the earning potential was lower than I expected,” she admits. For many like her, the excitement of tapping for digital coins quickly gives way to frustration when the expected rewards don’t materialize.
The High Hopes and Harsh Realities of Crypto Tapping
Abdullahi Abubakar, another miner who started during the COVID-19 lockdown, was initially skeptical of crypto mining apps. Although he hasn’t made much money, his friends have earned substantial amounts, convincing him to give it a try. “I’ve mined Pie, Aqua Protocol, PEPE, Notcoin, Avacoin, Hamster, and TapSwap. The rewards vary depending on the platform,” he says. Despite his efforts, he admits he’s not satisfied with what he’s earned, though he continues to focus on understanding the technology behind the platforms. In fact, Abubakar is even considering creating his own crypto mining app.
For others, the financial reality has been harsher. Babatunde Oluwaseun, a miner who joined the crypto craze to improve his financial situation, was left disappointed after his experience with Hamster Kombat. He recalls how he mined over 10 million coins but was shocked to receive a reward of just $1. “I was expecting at least N2 million, but all I got was N1,500,” he said, echoing the frustrations of many miners.
Despite the mixed results, there are still success stories. One female corps member proudly reported that she had earned N200,000 from mining, though she was quick to point out that she hadn’t lost any money directly. “You don’t lose money unless you invest in a scam project,” she said, emphasizing the importance of carefully choosing where to invest one’s time and resources.
The Debate Around Cryptocurrency in Nigeria
While cryptocurrency mining has gained widespread acceptance among Nigerians, particularly the youth, it has sparked debates in religious circles. Some Islamic scholars have raised concerns about whether digital currencies are permissible under Islamic law. However, Professor Mansur Isah Yelwa, a prominent Islamic scholar and Head of the Department of Islamic Law at Bayero University, Kano, believes that crypto mining is generally permissible.
“There is no clear textual authority in Islam that prohibits internet mining. The general principle under Islamic jurisprudence is that all commercial transactions are permissible unless explicitly prohibited,” Professor Yelwa explains, citing the Quran’s Chapter 2, Verse 275. However, he does caution against making crypto mining a primary source of income, arguing that it distracts young people from more productive endeavors like education, skill development, and even religious obligations.
Yelwa notes that while crypto mining is not inherently harmful, the low returns often leave users frustrated. “One of my students mined billions of points in Hamster but ended up with less than N30,000. How can we expect young people to thrive under these circumstances?” he asks.
The Pitfalls and Promises of Crypto Mining
While some miners have made significant earnings, the majority are left disappointed. Crypto expert Obani Ebenezer Nwokoma explains that some users lose out due to the misuse of external auto-clickers, which automate the tapping process. Notcoin’s evaluation system, for example, flagged irregular clicking patterns from bots and disqualified these users, treating them as non-legitimate participants.
But even without cheating, many miners are finding that the rewards don’t always match the hype. Despite these setbacks, experts believe the rise of tapping apps might still offer a silver lining—by increasing digital literacy and driving interest in cryptocurrency education.
“People are making money, but tapping shouldn’t be the focus,” says Uche Ikechukwu, a crypto expert and content creator. “Instead, people should learn the skills necessary to succeed in the broader crypto space.”
Ikechukwu advises that while apps like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat might offer some rewards, they should not be relied upon as the primary way to earn money. “Before these apps, people had other ways of making money. The key is to focus on understanding the crypto landscape itself, not just the tapping.”
Is Crypto Tapping the Future of Wealth—or Just a Fad?
For now, the future of crypto mining apps in Nigeria remains uncertain. While they offer a new and accessible way for people to engage with cryptocurrency, the reality for most users has been far from the life-changing wealth they hoped for. As more and more people tap away at their screens, chasing the promise of digital gold, the question remains: are they truly tapping into millions—or just wasting time?
Whether this trend will lead to widespread financial success or just another burst of false hope, one thing is certain: Nigerians are determined to explore every avenue, hoping to unlock the potential of the digital world, one tap at a time.
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