Nigeria’s Crypto Preacher wants change, not hype

In Nigeria, a quiet financial revolution is unfolding. As the naira fluctuates and banking fees climb, more people are turning to stablecoins for everyday transactions. Rume Ophi—known as the “Crypto Preacher”—told The Crypto Radio that digital currencies are not just an alternative but a necessity, helping Nigerians bypass financial hurdles and take control of their money.

Ophi, a financial commentator, has trained more than 5,000 young Nigerians in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. His vision extends beyond trading, focusing on how blockchain can be a tool for financial empowerment, innovation, and social progress.

"The Nigerian state. It's a state where we have young populations,” Ophi said. “A lot of the young people between the ages of 18 to 35 right now… (are) very enthusiastic when it comes to emerging tech… blockchain and crypto."

For many, crypto is more than an investment—it's a way to navigate an unstable financial system. Young Nigerians are at the forefront of this shift, using digital assets to send remittances, pay for services, and avoid excessive banking fees. The rapid adoption signals a deeper change in how the country approaches money.

Stablecoins: a lifeline in an unstable economy

Nigeria’s rapid crypto adoption is fueled by economic necessity. Faced with a volatile local currency and high banking fees, many Nigerians are turning to stablecoins like USDT for fast, reliable transactions. While the naira’s daily volatility has decreased from around 15% to a more stable 0.5%–2%, the demand for alternative financial solutions remains high.

Ophi explained that stablecoins enable seamless transfers without the long queues or high costs associated with traditional banking. This shift is transforming commerce, allowing people to send and receive payments efficiently.

"So most times, people just get the USDT stablecoin and see how far their merchants can accept it,” he said. “So it's also very easy to do with minimal fees, you know, compared to what you do in traditional banks."

Bitcoin initially captured the public’s attention, but its price volatility led many Nigerians to favor stablecoins. Lower fees, faster transactions, and price stability have made digital dollars a cornerstone of Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.

Beyond peer-to-peer transactions, businesses are also integrating stablecoins into their payment systems. Some merchants now accept USDT alongside cash, while freelancers prefer stablecoins for cross-border payments, avoiding exchange rate fluctuations. The shift signals a broader move toward digital finance, with Nigeria leading the way in practical crypto adoption.

Blockchain’s impact beyond finance

Despite its widespread adoption, crypto in Nigeria has often been overshadowed by misconceptions and fraud concerns. Ophi is determined to counter these narratives, advocating for education as a safeguard against scams and misinformation.

"So do your double check… I believe education has a way of making sure that people are aware of what to do and what not to do,” he said. “When someone promises you a 100% return, that's a red flag automatically… So I am more of an advocate that education can help people decipher what is a scam or not.”

Beyond finance, blockchain technology is making inroads into critical sectors like land ownership. Secure, immutable records could prevent fraudulent land sales, reduce disputes, and increase transparency. Ophi believes blockchain’s ability to store verified property records could be a game changer for resource management in Africa.

“Blockchain can be used to… (save) information of the rightful owners of the land,” Ophi said. “So if the government can imbibe all of these… land documents… on the blockchain… (the lands won’t be) reallocated to people that aren’t rightful owners or haven't bought them before."

Land disputes are a longstanding issue in Nigeria, with multiple claimants often fighting over the same property due to forged documents. A blockchain-based registry could eliminate these conflicts by creating a single, verifiable source of truth. Some African nations have already piloted similar projects, hinting at what could be possible if Nigeria fully embraced the technology.

Healthcare, governance, and the road ahead

Blockchain’s potential in healthcare is just as transformative. By securely consolidating medical records and verifying practitioner credentials in real time, it could improve patient care. Hospitals would have access to complete health histories, reducing redundant tests and unnecessary procedures.

"Bringing all of the data information of people,” Ophi said, emphasizing the need for accurate bio data on the blockchain. Nigeria, he noted, has some of the best doctors, making it crucial to equip health workers with reliable patient records.

Access to verifiable medical data could also help combat the rise of unqualified practitioners, a growing concern in many parts of Africa. Patients would be able to confirm a doctor’s credentials instantly, reducing the risk of malpractice. In emergency situations, quick access to a patient’s full medical history could mean the difference between life and death.

Beyond healthcare, blockchain’s transparency could also strengthen governance. Election integrity, identity verification, and public service delivery could all benefit from the security and efficiency of decentralized technology. While challenges remain—including regulatory uncertainty and infrastructure limitations—momentum is building toward wider adoption.

These applications highlight how blockchain extends beyond finance. From property rights to public services, the technology has the power to drive systemic change across Africa. Ophi’s mission to educate and empower Nigerians reflects a broader vision—one where transparency and innovation fuel progress.

As blockchain adoption accelerates, Nigeria is emerging as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. With figures like Ophi at the forefront, the country’s young population is proving that crypto is more than just a financial trend—it’s a tool for lasting change.

 

Listen to the whole interview on The Crypto Radio's live player or in Chain Breakers podcast.