Tapnob, the Kaduna-born Bitcoin-native startup, has launched a crypto-to-Naira payment gateway for merchants, freelancers, and remote workers in Nigeria to receive Bitcoin and stablecoin payments that settle instantly as Naira directly into their local bank accounts.
- Tapnob, the Kaduna-born Bitcoin-native startup, has launched a crypto-to-Naira payment gateway for merchants, freelancers, and remote workers in Nigeria to...
- The rollout comes as demand grows for faster ways to move money between crypto networks and traditional banking systems, particularly...
- Alongside the gateway, the startup has rolled out Tapnob Addresses, a feature that simplifies Bitcoin payments by turning them into...
- Tapnob’s product bypasses FX bottlenecks, allowing merchants to tap into the global diaspora and international clients without the bureaucratic headache...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Bitcoin — everything you need to know is covered below.
The rollout comes as demand grows for faster ways to move money between crypto networks and traditional banking systems, particularly among freelancers, exporters, and businesses serving international customers.
To further simplify the experience, the startup also unveiled Lightning addresses, enabling users to receive Bitcoin payments via easy-to-read identifiers rather than complex wallet strings.
What is a crypto-to-Naira gateway?
A crypto-to-Naira gateway is a payment infrastructure layer that accepts incoming digital asset payments, such as Bitcoin, USDT, or USDC, and automatically converts them to Naira at locked-in rates, depositing the equivalent into a recipient’s Nigerian bank account within seconds.
Tapnob’s infrastructure bypasses the challenges entirely, ensuring the receiver requires neither a crypto wallet nor blockchain expertise. Alongside the gateway, the startup has rolled out Tapnob Addresses, a feature that simplifies Bitcoin payments by turning them into a reusable username, formatted much like an email address (e.g., yourname@tapnob.io).
Users activate their address once, link a bank account once, and can continue using the same address whenever they want to receive Bitcoin, according to CEO Fishon Amos.
The problem Tapnob aims to solve
Nigeria records billions in annual crypto transaction volumes, yet converting crypto holdings into everyday Naira spending remains a major pain point. Traditional peer-to-peer platforms often involve lengthy waits for bank transfers, counterparty risks, scams, price slippage, and high fees.
Traditional wire transfers and remittance services take between 3 per cent and 8 per cent before funds arrive. For Nigerian freelancers billing international clients or diaspora families sending money home, those costs compound fast.
Tapnob’s product bypasses FX bottlenecks, allowing merchants to tap into the global diaspora and international clients without the bureaucratic headache of securing a domiciliary account.
CTO Mubarak Muhammad Aminu described the platform’s design philosophy directly: “We’re combining Lightning payments with local payout infrastructure to create a seamless experience. Users shouldn’t have to think about invoices, wallet addresses, or payment rails. They simply share their Tapnob address and receive settlement.”
What you need to know about Tapnob
Tapnob was launched in July 2025 by Fishon Amos and Mubarak Muhammad Aminu. The team built the first version at Bitnob’s Abuja office. Within two weeks, compliance documents were filed. By the end of the month, transactions were already flowing. The platform is operated by Reala Innovative Solutions Limited.
At the core of Tapnob’s infrastructure is the Bitcoin Lightning Network, a payment protocol that enables faster, lower-cost Bitcoin transactions. The company also supports stablecoins such as USDT and USDC, allowing users to receive payments through multiple digital asset rails while still settling in local currency.
Tapnob has attracted support from the Human Rights Foundation’s Bitcoin Development Fund, which backs open-source financial technologies focused on economic freedom, privacy, and financial inclusion. The backing signals growing international confidence in Nigerian-built crypto infrastructure targeting real-world utility rather than speculation.