As Ibrahim Danlami navigated the busy streets of Abuja with his mother, Kaka, in tow, he couldn’t help but notice something curious. His elderly mother, who had come to spend time with her grandchildren, seemed unusually engrossed in her phone. Danlami, an assistant general manager at a top private firm, was used to seeing people glued to their screens, but seeing Kaka—well into her senior years—so fixated on her device was strange.
“I thought she was playing ‘Candy Crush,’ just like I sometimes do to pass the time,” Danlami chuckled. But days later, as the tapping continued without pause, he finally asked her, “Mama, aren’t you too old to be hooked on phone games?” Kaka smiled knowingly and replied, “Wait until my millions get paid.”
Little did he know, his mother wasn’t just killing time—she was actively participating in a national craze, one that is taking over smartphones, homes, and even supermarkets across Nigeria. It’s the frenzy of tapping away for virtual coins, with hopes that these taps will soon translate into real-world cash. This new income stream, powered by cryptocurrency mining apps, has transformed mundane tasks into potential goldmines for users across all ages and backgrounds.
The Birth of the Tapping Frenzy
This tapping mania can be traced back to the launch of a groundbreaking app known as Notcoin, which debuted in January 2024. Designed as a crypto mining app with a simple, yet addictive, tap-based system, Notcoin invited users to “mine” its virtual currency, NOT tokens. Unlike traditional mining operations, which require costly equipment and technical know-how, Notcoin made mining accessible to anyone with a smartphone and a finger to tap.
It was an immediate hit. Within a few months, the app attracted over 35 million users globally, sparking a tidal wave of participation in Nigeria. For many Nigerians, Notcoin became more than just a game—it became a potential financial lifeline. Stories of users striking it rich began circulating widely, fueling the belief that this app was the key to unlocking financial independence.
One of the most notable stories came from a Nigerian man known as Gentle Boi, whose TikTok video went viral after he proudly shared his earnings of $260 (about N416,000) from Notcoin. The excitement didn’t stop there. Energized by his success with Notcoin, Gentle Boi soon ventured into another rising app—TapSwap—where he claimed to have earned over 15 million coins, with no sign of the income slowing down.
From Virtual Taps to Real Cash
The allure of TapSwap lies in its simple, gamified approach to earning. Users engage in an endless game of tapping their screens, completing tasks, and accumulating virtual coins known as TAPS. Weekend Trust uncovered that once a sufficient number of these coins are amassed, users can exchange them for TAPS tokens on the TON blockchain after the token’s launch.
This concept of transforming virtual coins into blockchain-based tokens has attracted droves of people from different walks of life. Some see it as a side hustle, while others have embraced it full-time, dedicating hours to “mining” digital currency in the hope of hitting the jackpot. But for many, the excitement lies not just in the potential financial rewards, but in the feeling of control over their earnings. In a country where unemployment is high and economic opportunities can feel scarce, the ability to make money from a smartphone is an appealing prospect.
Crypto Mining: A Game-Changer for Nigerians
The trend has quickly spread across Nigerian cities. In Kano State, for instance, crypto mining has become a popular way for many young men to supplement their incomes. Abdulsalam Dahiru, a 26-year-old who combines his Point-of-Sale (POS) business with cryptocurrency mining, is one of the many who believe that digital currency is a game-changer.
“Crypto mining has changed the lives of many people,” Dahiru said. “I know someone who gained over N50 million from cryptocurrency trading. From DOGS alone, a friend of mine made N3 million.”
Dahiru is far from alone. Across the country, many young people are flocking to crypto mining, lured by stories of financial success. Idris Sarina, a 60-year-old estate agent, was spotted busy mining digital currency with his phone. Despite his age and traditional career, Sarina has fully embraced crypto mining, using it as a way to pay his bills without giving up his real estate business.
“I learned about mining from young people,” Sarina explained. “It’s real, and it offers an opportunity to make cool money. So, I embraced it with both arms.”
Even those who haven’t yet hit big paydays remain optimistic. Abubakar Danzaria, another crypto miner, admitted that his recent earnings from mining were modest, but he’s confident that more substantial profits are just around the corner. “I got N12,000 from DOGS, N16,000 from CAT, and even N4,000 from HAMSTER,” Danzaria shared, highlighting the diverse range of cryptocurrencies that people are investing in. He believes that the mining craze will only grow stronger, especially as unemployment drives more young people toward digital opportunities.
The Broader Impact: More Than Just Money
Beyond the financial gains, many users believe that crypto mining is providing much-needed entertainment and mental stimulation. Halipa Salihu, a young miner, explained that cryptocurrency mining is not only an income source but also a form of entertainment. “Mining involves solving complex puzzles, and you get to network with other people,” Salihu said, adding that the process can be intellectually rewarding, as it often requires learning new digital skills and staying updated on market trends.
Salihu also noted the educational aspect of cryptocurrency. “It’s promoting digital literacy because you need basic computing skills to navigate these apps. And those familiar with the system are always there to guide you,” he explained. This democratization of digital finance is helping individuals, especially young people, develop the skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Crypto: The New Digital Gold Rush
In many ways, cryptocurrency mining has become Nigeria’s version of a digital gold rush. Whether it’s teenagers in internet cafes, mothers like Kaka tapping their way to coins, or estate agents exploring new income streams, the country is witnessing a shift in how people think about wealth. The accessibility of crypto mining apps like Notcoin and TapSwap has opened up a world of possibilities, giving Nigerians from all walks of life a shot at financial independence.
While it’s still early days, and the volatile nature of cryptocurrency means there are no guarantees, one thing is clear: for many Nigerians, the future of finance is digital. And all it takes to start tapping into that future is a smartphone and a willingness to try.
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