The management of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, has issued a firm directive to its staff, prohibiting cryptocurrency mining and trading activities during work hours.
In a circular dated September 18, Adamu Usman Teld, the hospital’s Deputy Director of Administration, emphasized that such activities are strictly forbidden while on duty. The statement read: “I am directed to caution all members of staff to desist from mining and all forms of related crypto trading activities while working.”
This warning follows complaints from patients and their families, who have reported that some staff members are distracted by crypto trading, affecting their ability to focus on their primary responsibilities.
The hospital management has warned that any staff caught violating this directive will face “drastic action” in accordance with the Public Service Rules. Monitoring officers have been deployed to enforce compliance.
As Nigeria continues to face economic hardships, many citizens have turned to cryptocurrency mining, a practice colloquially known as “tapping.” This involves tapping smartphone screens to earn small rewards in crypto tokens.
In a June editorial, The New York Times highlighted this growing trend, describing it as a “craze” driven by Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions. The publication noted: “A spate of new crypto-mining games that promise to generate income has people across Nigeria spending all day tapping on their smartphone screens, desperate to earn a few dollars. People tap as they pray, in mosques and churches. Children tap under desks at school. Mourners tap at funerals.”
The hospital’s strict warning is a response to this widespread practice, aiming to maintain professionalism and focus among its staff during work hours.
