By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe, Gombe State, has banned its staff from engaging in cryptocurrency mining during work hours. This directive was outlined in a circular dated September 18, 2024, signed by the hospital’s Deputy Director of Administration, Adamu Tela. A copy of the circular, which quickly went viral, was obtained by our correspondent on Friday.
Cryptocurrency trading and mining have grown among Nigerians across various age groups, with platforms like Not Coin and Dawg offering opportunities that have reportedly brought significant financial gains.
However, the hospital’s management expressed concerns over the impact of such activities on staff performance. The circular stated, “Staff members are hereby cautioned to desist from mining and engaging in all forms of cryptocurrency trading during work hours.”
The ban follows multiple complaints from patients and their relatives, who claimed that hospital staff were distracted from their duties by crypto trading activities.
Adamu Tela further emphasized that sanctions would be imposed on any staff found violating the directive, stating, “Management will not hesitate to take drastic action, in line with Public Service Rules, against any employee caught trading cryptocurrencies while on duty. SERVICOM, ACTU, and security personnel have been deployed to monitor compliance.”
Tela urged all staff members to focus on their responsibilities with dedication and professionalism.