PROS AND CONS OF MOBILE MONEY IN NIGERIA; Mobile money has been a revolutionary financial service in Nigeria, providing a simple and accessible platform for individuals to perform various financial transactions. With mobile money, people can send and receive money, pay bills, purchase airtime, and conduct other financial transactions without visiting a physical bank or ATM.
Mobile Money is not owned by a single entity but is a service offered by various mobile network operators and financial institutions in different countries. The service is typically offered in partnership with banks and other financial institutions to facilitate financial transactions using mobile devices.
Mobile Money operates in several countries around the world, particularly in Africa and Asia where traditional banking services are not widely accessible. Some of the countries where Mobile Money operates include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, among others. Mobile Money has played a significant role in financial inclusion in these countries, empowering people who previously had limited access to formal banking services to participate in financial transactions.
While mobile money has its advantages, there are also several drawbacks that need to be considered. In this article, we will examine the pros and cons of mobile money in Nigeria.
PROS
Accessibility: One of the primary advantages of mobile money is that it is easily accessible to anyone with a mobile phone, irrespective of their location. Mobile money services have been able to reach rural and underserved communities, providing them with access to financial services that were previously unavailable.
Convenience: Mobile money allows individuals to perform financial transactions anytime, anywhere. This level of convenience is especially useful for people who do not have easy access to banks or ATMs.
Security: Mobile money transactions are typically secured with a PIN or password, making them more secure than carrying cash. In addition, mobile money services have features such as fraud alerts, transaction limits, and transaction notifications that help protect users from fraudulent activities.
Speed: Mobile money transactions are generally fast and immediate, allowing individuals to send and receive money in real-time. This speed is especially useful for urgent or emergency transactions.
CONS
Limited transaction amounts: Mobile money transactions are often limited in terms of the amount that can be sent or received. This can be a disadvantage for individuals who need to make large transactions.
Transaction fees: Mobile money transactions often attract transaction fees that can be a significant burden for low-income earners. These fees can sometimes be higher than what banks charge for similar transactions.
Network and connectivity issues: Mobile money services are heavily dependent on network connectivity, and any disruption in network services can affect the usability of the service. This can be especially problematic in rural areas where network coverage is limited.
Fraud and security concerns: Despite the security features of mobile money services, there is still a risk of fraud and security breaches. Cybercriminals can use various tactics to defraud users of their money, and this risk increases as more people adopt mobile money services.
Mobile money can be used for cryptocurrency transactions in some cases. In many African countries, including Nigeria, mobile money platforms have integrated with cryptocurrency exchanges, making it possible for users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly from their mobile money accounts.
For example, in Nigeria, mobile money platforms such as Paga and Flutterwave have integrated with cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance and Luno, allowing users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using their mobile money accounts. This integration makes it easier for people to access cryptocurrencies, especially in areas with limited traditional banking services.
In addition to buying and selling cryptocurrencies, some mobile money platforms also offer services such as wallet-to-wallet transfers and payment processing for merchants who accept cryptocurrencies as payment. These services are particularly useful for people who may not have access to traditional banking services but still want to participate in the cryptocurrency market.
However, it is important to note that the use of mobile money for cryptocurrency transactions is still relatively new, and there are some risks associated with it. For example, mobile money accounts can be susceptible to fraud and hacking, which could lead to the loss of funds. Additionally, some mobile money platforms may restrict the amount of money that can be transferred for cryptocurrency transactions.
How To Exchange Cryptocurrencies Purchased With Mobile Money For Fiat On DartAfrica
DartAfrica is a very easy and highly beneficial way for you to convert your crypto assets to fiat that you can withdraw to your local bank account. DartAfrica is a very new and quickly expanding cryptocurrency trading platform that aims to make it pleasant and easy for users in Ghana and Nigeria (for the time being) to sell cryptocurrencies for fiat. DartAfrica offers support for popular cryptocurrencies like USDT, USDC, ETH, and BTC and has plans to increase this selection in order to cater to a wide range of consumers with various preferences. One of the many potential benefits of using DartAfrica is the fact that there are no transaction fees, unlike other exchange platforms or traditional banking institutions.
The platform also provides simple navigation, quick and secure transactions, and a user-friendly design. To efficiently use DartAfrica:
- Visit their website to register in just a few simple steps.
- Create a transaction pin by logging into your account and selecting “Security” to authorize withdrawals.
- For instructions on creating a local bank account, click “Account Details”.
- Choose the coin you want to deposit by clicking “Sell Coins.” Put the USD amount (at least $20).
- By selecting “Sell Now,” you will be given a barcode and wallet address to deposit the equivalent amount you intend to sell. After two block confirmations, the corresponding amount of fiat is transferred into your account. You may track your transaction in the “Trades” area until the deposit is complete. You can see this on your “Dashboard.”
- To withdraw money to the account you’ve previously set up in step 3, click “Withdraw funds,” then enter the desired amount. Without any additional fees, your local bank receives a quick credit.
Mobile money has undoubtedly revolutionized financial services in Nigeria, providing access to financial services to previously underserved communities. However, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of mobile money to make informed decisions when using these services. While the advantages of mobile money are numerous, the disadvantages must be considered, especially the risks of fraud and high transaction fees. Overall, mobile money services offer significant benefits, but users must exercise caution and be aware of the risks involved.
