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How Can I Start Bitcoin Business in Nigeria in 2024

By Oluchukwu Ikemefuna

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“How can I start Bitcoin business in Nigeria?”

You have made the significant decision to enter the cryptocurrency business. This is a bold step. The crypto business is highly volatile, involving calculated risks that don’t guarantee smooth sailing.

However, you have chosen to venture into this field for the potential high returns on good days when the market is in your favor.

How can I start Bitcoin business in Nigeria?

Making this decision was your first major step. The next big step, which requires lifelong learning, is understanding the “how” of the crypto business.

You might have asked yourself, “How can I start a Bitcoin business?” or something similar. Perhaps you’ve searched online for foolproof advice but haven’t found much luck.

The good news is that this article is here to answer your questions about entering the crypto business. By the end, you’ll move from asking, “How can I start a Bitcoin (or crypto) business?” to confidently saying, “Let me teach you how to enter the cryptocurrency business.”

Before we proceed, a small warning: this article assumes you already have some knowledge of Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and blockchain. We won’t cover those basics here.

Without further delay, let’s dive right in.

Also read: $NOT Token Launches Today: All you Need to Know | Launch Price | Steps to Claim

How Can I Get into the Bitcoin(or Cryptocurrency) Business?

So, you ask, “How can I start the Bitcoin business?” First, you must understand that the crypto world thrives on buying and selling various coins, from Bitcoin to Ethereum and beyond.

For your business to thrive, you need a reliable cryptocurrency exchange platform. This is where we will start.

How to get into crypto in Nigeria

1. Choose a Reputable Cryptocurrency Exchange

Before we dive into choosing a reputable cryptocurrency exchange platform, let’s first understand what a crypto exchange is all about. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions when selecting a platform.

A cryptocurrency exchange is a platform that allows you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. You can trade one cryptocurrency for another or convert your fiat currency, like the U.S. dollar, into cryptocurrency and vice versa. Typically, exchanges charge a commission or fee for transactions.

Now that you know what a crypto exchange is, you might expect us to pick a platform for you. However, we won’t do that because numerous crypto exchange platforms are available. Instead, we’ll outline what to look for so you can make an informed choice.

How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange

With so many spot crypto exchanges, figuring out the best one can be challenging. You might be tempted to choose the exchange offering the most assets, but there’s more to consider than size.

Security

The cryptocurrency world can be like the Wild West. Exchanges can come and go almost as quickly as the assets themselves and are often rife with scams and fraud. Therefore, research how the company protects its customer assets before committing.

Reputation

Look for an exchange without a history of hacks, scams, or other incidents that could limit your access to your assets.

For example, exchanges might temporarily freeze withdrawals due to technical issues, which can be inconvenient. However, regular freezes might indicate liquidity issues, a bigger concern.

Fees

Keeping fees low is crucial when investing, which also applies to crypto exchanges. Ideally, choose an exchange with minimal fees. However, a slightly higher fee might be acceptable if the exchange offers better security. Most importantly, the exchange’s fees should be transparent.

Customer Service

Check how easy it is to reach the exchange’s customer service department. If you struggle to find contact information, consider taking your assets elsewhere. Reputable exchanges should be accessible and quick to address your concerns.

2. Create your Crypto Exchange Account

Creating an account on a cryptocurrency exchange is a relatively straightforward process, although it can vary slightly depending on your specific exchange. Generally, the process involves the following steps:

Step 1: Choose an Exchange

The first step is to select the cryptocurrency exchange you want to use. There are many exchanges to choose from, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Some of the most popular exchanges include Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, and Gemini. Research each one to determine which best fits your needs. The guide above can help you determine which Exchange to choose.

Step 2: Provide Personal Information

After choosing an exchange, the next step is to provide your personal information. This typically includes your full name, date of birth, email address, and phone number.

Depending on the exchange, you may also need to provide a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, to comply with know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

Step 3: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security feature that requires two forms of identification before logging in to your account. This helps prevent unauthorized access.

Most exchanges require you to set up 2FA when creating your account. Options for 2FA include text message codes, authenticator apps, and hardware tokens.

Also read: OPay NG to Visit all POS Stores across Nigeria for Security Reasons

3. Verify your Identity

The identity verification process on a crypto platform typically involves the following steps:

Create an Account

First, create an account on the chosen crypto platform. This step was covered in the previous section.

Provide Personal Information

Next, provide accurate and up-to-date personal information, including your name, address, and contact details.

Submit Verification Documents

Upload or submit copies of the requested verification documents, such as government-issued IDs and proof of address.

Complete Additional Verification Steps

Depending on the platform, you may need to complete additional verification steps, such as facial recognition or liveness detection.

Await Verification

Once you have submitted your documents and information, the platform will review and verify them.

4. Connect with a Vendor and Purchase your First Coin

Various platforms, such as Peach Bitcoin, facilitate the trading of Bitcoin by offering two main services: 1) a venue for buyers and sellers to post their buy and sell orders and 2) an escrow and dispute resolution service.

Since these platforms primarily help people find each other, they are not technically classified as exchanges or ‘money transmitters’ in many jurisdictions.

Consequently, they often do not require users to reveal their identities. For privacy-conscious buyers, P2P platforms can be an effective way to obtain Bitcoin, despite being generally less convenient and often more costly overall (it can be challenging to get the “correct” market rate due to lack of liquidity).

Note, however, that as a seller, engaging in the commercial sale of Bitcoin on a peer-to-peer platform beyond a few small transactions may put you on the wrong side of the law in your country.

Most peer-to-peer Bitcoin exchanges integrate a reputation system, tracking and displaying the trading history of their users.

If you want to buy using a P2P exchange, choose sellers with a good reputation, meaning they have completed several trades without complaints.

The process for buying Bitcoin using a peer-to-peer exchange typically involves the following steps:

  1. Browse Listings: You can browse listings based on payment type (e.g., bank transfer, PayPal), amount, seller location, reputation, etc.
  2. Initiate a Trade: Doing so locks up the Bitcoin in an escrow account.
  3. Send Payment: Send the agreed payment amount via the chosen payment method. This could even mean meeting the seller in person and handing over cash directly.
  4. Seller Confirms Payment: The seller confirms receipt of the payment via the website or app.
  5. Bitcoin Released from Escrow: This triggers the release of Bitcoin from escrow to your Bitcoin wallet.

Sometimes, the purchased Bitcoin is released from escrow directly to your wallet. In other cases, it is first sent to your peer-to-peer platform account wallet (typically a custodial web wallet).

You would then need to withdraw it to a Bitcoin wallet you control. Note that this final step often incurs a fee, which typically constitutes the peer-to-peer platform’s business model.

Conclusion

And that concludes how to get started becoming a cryptocurrency trader. From understanding the basics of cryptocurrency exchanges to choosing a reputable platform and verifying your identity, this guide has provided the essential steps to embark on your crypto trading journey.

Remember to prioritize security, check the reputation of the platforms you use, and stay informed about the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency. Happy trading!

Also read: Huawei Full Strategy to Compete with Apple in 2024

FAQ for Getting Started in Cryptocurrency Trading

Q1: What is a cryptocurrency exchange?

A cryptocurrency exchange is a platform that allows you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. You can trade one cryptocurrency for another or convert fiat currency, like the U.S. dollar, into cryptocurrency and vice versa. Exchanges typically charge a commission or fee for transactions.

Q2: How do I choose a cryptocurrency exchange?

When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, consider the following factors:
Security: Ensure the exchange has robust security measures to protect customer assets.
Reputation: Look for an exchange with a good track record, free from hacks and scams.
Fees: Choose an exchange with transparent and reasonable fees.
Customer Service: Check for easily accessible and responsive customer service.

Q3: What information do I need to provide to create an account on a cryptocurrency exchange?

To create an account, you must provide your full name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. This is to comply with know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

Q4: What is two-factor authentication (2FA) and why is it important?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security feature that requires two forms of identification before logging in to your account. It helps prevent unauthorized access. Options for 2FA include text message codes, authenticator apps, and hardware tokens.

Q5: How does the identity verification process work on a cryptocurrency platform?

The identity verification process typically involves the following steps:
– Create an account on the chosen platform.
– Provide accurate personal information, including your name, address, and contact details.
– Submit verification documents, such as government-issued IDs and proof of address.
– Complete additional verification steps, like facial recognition, if required.
– Await verification as the platform reviews your documents and information.

Q6: What are peer-to-peer (P2P) Bitcoin trading platforms, and how do they work?

P2P Bitcoin trading platforms facilitate the trading of Bitcoin by offering a venue for buyers and sellers to post orders and providing escrow and dispute resolution services. They are not typically classified as exchanges or ‘money transmitters’ and may not require identity verification. The process involves browsing listings, initiating a trade, sending payment, and receiving Bitcoin from escrow.

Q7: What should I consider when using a P2P platform?

Reputation: Choose sellers with a good trading history.
Privacy: P2P platforms can offer more privacy as they may not require identity verification.
Cost: P2P platforms can be less convenient and costly due to a lack of liquidity and potential withdrawal fees.

Q8: What are the risks of using P2P platforms?

While P2P platforms can offer privacy, they are generally less convenient and more costly. As a seller, engaging in commercial sales beyond small transactions may lead to legal issues in your country. Always trade with reputable users and know the platform’s security measures.

Q9: What steps should I take to secure my cryptocurrency assets?

To secure your cryptocurrency assets:
– Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
– Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
– Choose exchanges with robust security measures.
– Regularly monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
– Consider using hardware wallets for added security.

Reference

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Christian Maximilian
Christian Maximilian

I am a Software Engineer, technical writer, and overall tech enthusiast. For me, utilizing my skills as a Software Engineer to perform Technical Search Engine Optimization is not just a job, but something I gladly incorporate into my pastimes as well, and I have been doing this for over 3 years.

When I'm not coding or writing technical documentation, I enjoy listening to music and exploring new genres.

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