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A new Bitcoin lightning node in Nigeria could inspire individuals to take “control of their financial future” and break free from ‘rotten' financial systems node runner Megasley told Cointelegraph. A Bitcoin Lightning Network node (BTC) has struck the earth in one of the most challenging operating environments. Lagos, the capital of Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, welcomed a new Bitcoin Lightning node this week, a vital step to better connect the continent to the layer-2 payments network atop Bitcoin, the Lightning Network (LN).  The node runs on an old laptop powered by a diesel generator as Lagos regularly experiences energy and electricity blackouts. Megasley's diesel generator and laptop running the node. Source: Megasley  In a discussion with Cointelegraph, Megasley, who is the first Nigerian Lightning node of 2023 and the first active Lightning node in the country (as other nodes are dormant), Megasley shared his vision for bringing instant and low-cost payment...

The slated law comes as Nigeria's eNaira has only managed to obtain a 0.5% adoption rate 12 months after its launch in Oct. 2021. The Nigerian government will reportedly soon pass a law that will recognize the usage of Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies as a means to keep up to date with “global practices.” The news was reported by Nigerian-based masthead Punch Newspapers on Dec. 18 following an interview with House of Representatives Committee on Capital Markets chairman Babangida Ibrahim. The report stated that if the Investments and Securities Act, 2007 (Amendment) Bill is signed into law it would allow the local Securities and Exchange Commission to “recognize cryptocurrency and other digital funds as capital for investment.” Ibrahim stressed the need for Nigeria to keep up to date with trends and developments in capital markets: “Like I said earlier during the second reading, we need an efficient and vibrant capital market in Nigeria. For us to do that, we have to be up...