How crypto mining became Nigeria’s new pandemic

   AFTER the dust of the COVID-19 pandemic began to settle, Nigeria was suddenly gripped by a new wave of obsession—crypto mining. What started as an opportunity to earn money from the digital world has spiraled into an addiction that’s slowly creeping into every corner of society. From the hospital to the classroom, the office, and even the road, the rise of crypto mining has become a second pandemic, posing significant risks to Nigeria’s development and safety. Crypto mining, which involves solving complex algorithms to validate transactions on the blockchain and earning coins as a reward, has captivated the attention of many Nigerians. But this fascination with digital currencies has gone beyond reasonable bounds. Scientists in laboratories are now mining coins on Telegram and tapping phones instead of focusing on their experiments—completely disregarding the fact that a minor mistake in the lab could cost patients their lives. Healthcare workers, doctors, and nurses, who should be fully committed to saving lives, are now distracted by mining, placing the well-being of their patients at risk. In banks, where precision and vigilance are essential, bankers have turned their focus from securing the nation’s finances to chasing digital assets. The classrooms, once a place of learning and growth, have become breeding grounds for distraction as students no longer concentrate on their studies but instead scroll through mining platforms. Across offices, from government institutions to private firms, crypto mining has infiltrated every department, consuming valuable time and attention. Even on the roads, drivers are dangerously preoccupied with mining while behind the wheel, increasing the risk of accidents. This obsession has escalated to the point where crypto mining is now the main topic of conversation, overshadowing discussions about pressing national issues. The economy, security, and community welfare have taken a backseat as individuals become consumed by the digital gold rush. The risks to Nigeria’s future If this trend continues unchecked, the consequences could be disastrous. Here are some of the most critical risks the country faces: 1. Public health crisis: When healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and nurses, are distracted by crypto mining, the quality of medical care deteriorates. Mistakes in medication, surgeries, or even basic treatments could result in the death of patients. The potential for a rise in medical negligence cases could also put enormous pressure on Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system. 2. Education decline: Students’ loss of focus in the classroom has long-term implications for the nation’s intellectual capital. When the youth prioritize mining over their education, they are deprived of the knowledge and skills necessary to build a robust and competitive workforce. This could lead to a generation of poorly trained professionals, damaging the nation’s future prospects. 3. Financial Instability: With bankers and financial professionals distracted, the risk of errors in financial transactions, customer management, and even fraud increases. Nigeria’s economy, which relies heavily on trust in the financial system, could face instability as banking operations suffer from negligence and lack of oversight. 4. Accidents and public safety: Drivers engaged in mining while on the road are a danger to themselves and others. The risk of accidents increases when attention is divided between mining apps and safe driving. A rise in road traffic accidents could lead to a spike in injuries and fatalities, further overwhelming the healthcare system and placing additional burdens on families and communities. 5. Decline in productivity: In every office and institution, from government sectors to corporate enterprises, the distraction of crypto mining is leading to a significant drop in productivity. Deadlines are missed, critical decisions are delayed, and the overall efficiency of organizations is hampered. The longer this trend persists, the more it will slow down economic growth and development. 6. Erosion of ethics and responsibility: As people become more consumed by the pursuit of quick money through crypto mining, ethical standards and personal responsibility are eroded. Workers neglect their duties, students abandon their studies, and professionals compromise the safety and well-being of those they serve. This erosion of responsibility threatens the very fabric of society, undermining trust and accountability. The need for balance While the potential to earn through crypto mining can be tempting, it is crucial for individuals to maintain a sense of balance. There is a time for everything, and neglecting important responsibilities in the pursuit of digital currencies is a dangerous path. Nigeria’s future depends on the collective efforts of its people to build a better society—not on the obsession with mining coins. It’s time to wake up to the reality that this new wave of crypto mining is not just a harmless activity but a growing crisis that needs to be addressed. To safeguard our nation’s well-being, we must encourage Nigerians to focus on their work, studies, and responsibilities while engaging with cryptocurrencies in moderation. The health of our people, the strength of our economy, and the future of our youth depend on this balance. Let’s not allow the obsession with mining to become Nigeria’s undoing. Abubakar (Sheikh) writes in fromTudun Wada, Zaria via [email protected] READ ALSO: How I would have solved Nigeria’s problems as president — Atiku