Crypto trading thrives in Nigeria despite official disapproval

FILE PHOTO: Abolaji Odunjo, a gadget vendor who trades with bitcoin, demonstrates a bitcoin application on his mobile phone in Lagos, Nigeria August 31, 2020. REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja

LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigerian art dealer Ebuka Joseph started using cryptocurrencies last year when business ground to a halt due to COVID-19. Now he is hooked even though the financial authorities disapprove.

"Crypto just allows me to transact freely and within minutes we are done with our transactions," the 28-year-old told Reuters from a friend's studio in Lagos where he displays his works.