The management of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe has issued a stern warning to staff regarding cryptocurrency mining and trading activities during work hours.

In a circular dated September 18, Adamu Usman Teld, the hospital’s deputy director of administration, stated that such activities are strictly prohibited while on duty.

The circular reads: “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 comes in response to numerous complaints from patients and their families about distractions caused by staff engaged in trading, which interferes with their primary responsibilities.

The management has threatened “drastic action” in accordance with Public Service Rules against any staff member found violating this directive and has deployed monitoring officers to ensure compliance.

Amidst ongoing economic hardships, many Nigerians have turned to cryptocurrency mining, often referred to as “tapping.” This practice involves users tapping their smartphone screens to earn rewards in crypto tokens.

In a June editorial, The New York Times characterised this phenomenon as a “craze,” lamenting that Nigeria is experiencing its worst economic hardships in many years.

“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 Times said.