Low ratings, frustrating reviews plague launch of eNaira app

Two days after the eNaira was launched, it has been been welcomed with mixed reviews from Nigerians.

President Muhammadu Buhari officially launched the digital currency to fanfare in Abuja on Monday, October 25, 2021.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, said the currency was designed to complement and strengthen Nigeria's payments and financial architecture.

48 hours after the eNaira Speed Wallet app was made available on the Google Play Store, it has been downloaded over 100,000 times.

And despite the apparent enthusiasm to use the currency through the app, it's rated 2/5 after over 2,700 reviews, as of Wednesday, October 27.

Many users have complained about teething problems, especially error reports encountered while trying to register.

"The developers of this app did not test run this app before making it usable for the members of the public," a user named Stanley C. Nnaso said, rating the app 1/5.

"Terrible, if there's a 0 or -5 star, I will certainly pick those. The developers need to go back to the drawing board and use capable hands to fix the bugs," another user, Nwosu Harrison, wrote after rating the app 1/5.

"I wanted to rate it zero. How useful can an app be when you cannot even sign up?" Clem Anifowose asked in another 1/5 rating.

eNaira rating on Google Play Store, as of Wednesday, October 25, 2021 Pulse Nigeria

Some of the 5-star reviews also complained about the registration issues, but the users expressed confidence in the CBN to fix the issues.

"Good work, but I have (been) waiting for the email activation for almost an hour," Bashir Olayiwola said, despite rating the app 5 stars.

"Nice development, but response from your system is slow," another 5-star reviewer, Olasunkanmi Taiwo, wrote.

The CBN replied numerous reviews on the app, suggesting solutions to users' issues, or asking them to send an email to its helpdesk to address the problems.

The app rating is better on the Apple Store where 226 reviewers have given it an average of 3.1/5, but with similar complaints about registration.

President Buhari expects the adoption of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to increase Nigeria's GDP by $29 billion over the next 10 years.

He said the currency can foster economic growth through better economic activities, increase remittances, improve financial inclusion, and make monetary policy more effective.