FinTech unveils Bitcoin-powered naira settlement platform

The Punch is proud to report on the innovative strides being made by Nigerian fintech startups like Tapnob, which are directly addressing critical pain points in the nation's financial landscape. Tapnob's new platform, leveraging Bitcoin infrastructure, is a testament to the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs seeking to bridge the gap between global digital assets and Nigeria's financial system.

This innovation is particularly significant given the persistent challenges faced with traditional remittance systems, which are often plagued by exorbitant fees and frustrating delays. By offering instant conversion of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, USDT, and USDC into naira at locked-in rates, Tapnob is not just simplifying cross-border transactions but also providing a more transparent and cost-effective alternative. This directly benefits Nigerians sending and receiving money from abroad, a crucial lifeline for many families.

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We’re building infrastructure that allows people to send and receive money globally while still interacting with the local systems they trust. Speed, transparency, and reliability remain our core priorities.

Furthermore, the platform's ability to support businesses in accepting international payments settled directly in naira is a game-changer. It removes the need for foreign bank accounts, thereby streamlining operations for sectors such as hospitality, travel, and freelancing. The reported millions in transaction volume between July and December 2025, driven by organic adoption, underscores the market's readiness and the platform's immediate impact.

Tapnob's focus on user experience, ensuring that individuals do not need technical cryptocurrency knowledge to utilize the service, is a key differentiator. As highlighted by CEO Fishon Amos, the goal is to build infrastructure that seamlessly integrates global digital assets with trusted local systems. This approach, coupled with the technical backbone combining Bitcoin's Lightning Network with stablecoin systems and local payout infrastructure, positions Tapnob as a reliable and efficient solution in Africa's rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. The company's success is a clear indicator of the growing adoption of digital assets for value preservation amidst currency volatility in Nigeria.

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Under the hood, we are combining Bitcoin and stablecoin rails with local payout systems to make transfers feel instant. The goal is to build a system users can depend on every time.