How to convert my Ethereum to naira

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To convert your Ethereum ETH to Nigerian Naira NGN, here are the detailed steps:

  1. Choose a Reputable Exchange or Platform: Your first move is to select a crypto exchange that supports both Ethereum and Nigerian Naira, and crucially, allows direct NGN withdrawals. Top choices often include Binance, Kraken, Coinbase though Naira direct withdrawal might be indirect via P2P or third-party, Luno, and local Nigerian exchanges like Bundle Africa or Quidax. Each has its own fee structure and user experience.
  2. Create and Verify Your Account: If you don’t already have one, sign up for an account on your chosen platform. This typically involves providing an email, setting a password, and then undergoing Know Your Customer KYC verification. KYC is mandatory for larger transactions and involves submitting government-issued IDs e.g., National ID, driver’s license, proof of address, and sometimes a selfie. This ensures compliance with financial regulations and helps prevent illicit activities.
  3. Deposit Your Ethereum ETH: Navigate to the “Deposit” or “Wallet” section of your exchange account. Select Ethereum ETH and you’ll be provided with a unique ETH wallet address. Carefully copy this address. Then, go to your external wallet e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Ledger where your ETH is stored, initiate a “Send” transaction, paste the copied address, and specify the amount of ETH you wish to transfer. Always double-check the address before confirming to avoid irreversible losses. Be mindful of network gas fees, which vary based on network congestion.
  4. Sell Your Ethereum: Once your ETH deposit is confirmed on the exchange this can take a few minutes to an hour, depending on network traffic, you’ll need to sell it. Go to the “Trade” or “Convert” section.
    • Convert Option: For simplicity, many exchanges offer a “Convert” feature where you can directly swap ETH for Naira.
    • Spot Trading: For more control over the price, you can use the “Spot Trading” interface. Search for the ETH/NGN trading pair. Place a “Market Order” to sell immediately at the current market price, or a “Limit Order” to sell when ETH reaches a specific price you set.
  5. Withdraw Naira to Your Bank Account: After selling your ETH, your balance will reflect in Naira. Go to the “Withdraw” or “Wallet” section again, select Nigerian Naira NGN, and choose “Bank Transfer” as your withdrawal method. You’ll need to enter your Nigerian bank account details bank name, account number, account name. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and confirm the transaction.
  6. Review Fees and Processing Times: Be aware that exchanges charge fees for trading selling ETH and withdrawing NGN. These fees vary significantly. Withdrawal times can range from a few minutes to 24-48 hours, depending on the exchange and bank processing times. Always check the exchange’s fee schedule and withdrawal policies beforehand.

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Table of Contents

Navigating the Crypto Landscape: A Muslim Professional’s Guide to Converting Ethereum to Naira

The world of digital assets, including Ethereum, presents both opportunities and complexities.

While the core mechanics of conversion are straightforward, navigating the ethical considerations, security protocols, and practical steps requires a discerning approach.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive, expert-level breakdown, emphasizing responsible financial practices.

Understanding Ethereum and Its Place in the Digital Economy

Ethereum is not just a cryptocurrency. it’s a decentralized platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications dApps. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether ETH, powers transactions on the network. Since its launch in 2015, Ethereum has grown to be the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, boasting a market cap of over $400 billion as of early 2024. Its utility extends beyond simple digital money, underpinning vast ecosystems like DeFi Decentralized Finance, NFTs Non-Fungible Tokens, and various blockchain projects.

  • Smart Contracts: These are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. They run exactly as programmed without any possibility of downtime, censorship, fraud, or third-party interference.
  • Decentralized Applications dApps: Applications that run on a decentralized network, like Ethereum, rather than a centralized server. This offers enhanced security and transparency.
  • The Merge and Beyond: Ethereum recently transitioned from a Proof-of-Work PoW consensus mechanism to Proof-of-Stake PoS with “The Merge.” This significantly reduced its energy consumption by an estimated 99.95%, making it more environmentally sustainable and aligning better with principles of responsible resource management.
  • Market Volatility: While Ethereum offers innovative technology, its price remains highly volatile, subject to market sentiment, regulatory news, and technological developments. For instance, in 2021, ETH saw an incredible surge, reaching an all-time high of over $4,800, only to experience significant pullbacks later. This volatility means that the Naira value of your ETH can fluctuate wildly, sometimes within hours.

Ethical Considerations and Responsible Engagement with Crypto

For a Muslim, engagement with any financial instrument must align with Islamic principles. While cryptocurrency itself is a relatively new phenomenon, scholars have weighed in on its permissibility, often focusing on its underlying technology and use cases. The core principles of avoiding Riba interest, Gharar excessive uncertainty/speculation, Maysir gambling, and supporting ethical, productive ventures remain paramount.

  • Avoiding Riba Interest: Direct interest-bearing transactions, like those found in conventional loans or bonds, are impermissible. While holding ETH itself does not accrue interest, one must be cautious of DeFi protocols that mimic interest-bearing accounts or involve lending/borrowing with interest.
  • Mitigating Gharar Excessive Uncertainty/Speculation: The inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies can lead to concerns about excessive speculation. While trading for genuine profit is permissible, engaging in highly risky, short-term “day trading” purely for speculative gains, without a clear understanding or productive intent, should be approached with extreme caution. True wealth generation in Islam emphasizes real value, effort, and productive enterprise.
  • Avoiding Maysir Gambling: Any activity where money is wagered on an uncertain outcome, purely for monetary gain with no productive effort, is considered gambling. While trading itself isn’t gambling, treating crypto solely as a casino or betting mechanism is forbidden. Focus on understanding the technology, its utility, and long-term potential rather than purely short-term price movements.
  • Halal Sources of Income: Ensure that the ETH you possess was acquired through permissible means. If it was earned from activities deemed impermissible e.g., gambling platforms, interest-bearing lending, then that portion of wealth needs to be purified.
  • Productive Use of Wealth: Islam encourages the use of wealth for productive purposes, contributing to society, and avoiding wasteful consumption. When converting ETH to Naira, consider how these funds will be utilized in a manner that benefits you, your family, and the wider community, perhaps through legitimate business, charity, or essential needs.

Choosing the Right Platform: Exchanges and Their Nuances

Selecting a trustworthy and compliant exchange is the cornerstone of a smooth and secure conversion process.

Different platforms offer varying features, fee structures, and levels of security.

  • Centralized Exchanges CEXs: These are the most common platforms for converting crypto to fiat currency like Naira. They act as intermediaries, holding your crypto and facilitating trades. Examples include Binance, Kraken, Coinbase, Luno, Quidax, and Bundle Africa.
    • Pros: User-friendly interfaces, high liquidity easier to buy/sell large amounts, regulatory compliance KYC/AML, integrated wallets, and customer support.
    • Cons: You don’t fully control your private keys your funds are held by the exchange, making them targets for hackers. Transaction fees can be higher than P2P.
    • Key Considerations:
      • Security Features: Look for exchanges with two-factor authentication 2FA, cold storage for majority of funds, insurance funds, and regular security audits. Binance, for instance, has a Secure Asset Fund for Users SAFU that holds a portion of trading fees to protect users in extreme cases.
      • Fee Structure: Understand trading fees maker/taker fees, deposit fees, and withdrawal fees for both crypto and Naira. These can significantly impact the final amount you receive.
      • Liquidity: High liquidity means you can execute large trades without significant price slippage. This is particularly important for less common ETH/NGN pairs.
      • Customer Support: Responsive and helpful customer support is invaluable, especially if you encounter issues with deposits or withdrawals.
  • Peer-to-Peer P2P Platforms: These platforms allow users to trade directly with each other, often facilitated by the exchange to ensure escrow services holding crypto until payment is confirmed. Binance P2P is a popular example.
    • Pros: Often lower fees sometimes zero for the P2P transaction itself, greater flexibility in payment methods including bank transfers that bypass some direct exchange restrictions, and more control over your funds.
    • Cons: Higher risk of scams if not careful though reputable platforms have escrow services and dispute resolution, can take longer to find a suitable buyer/seller, and requires more vigilance from the user.
      • Reputation of Counterparties: Always check the trader’s completion rate, number of trades, and feedback from other users. Opt for verified merchants.
      • Escrow Service: Ensure the platform offers a robust escrow system to protect both parties.
      • Communication: Clear and timely communication with your counterparty is crucial.
  • Decentralized Exchanges DEXs: While popular for crypto-to-crypto swaps e.g., Uniswap, SushiSwap, DEXs generally do not directly support fiat conversions like ETH to NGN. You would typically need to convert ETH to a stablecoin like USDT or USDC on a DEX, then transfer the stablecoin to a CEX or P2P platform to convert to Naira. This adds extra steps and gas fees.

Security Protocols: Safeguarding Your Assets

A single mistake can lead to irreversible loss of funds.

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Adhering to strict security protocols is non-negotiable, especially when dealing with valuable assets like Ethereum. How to convert Ethereum to indian rupee in stake

  • Two-Factor Authentication 2FA: Always enable 2FA on your exchange accounts and email. Google Authenticator or hardware authenticators like YubiKey are generally more secure than SMS-based 2FA, which can be vulnerable to SIM swap attacks.
  • Strong, Unique Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for each of your crypto accounts. A password manager can help you generate and store these securely. Avoid using easily guessable information.
  • Whitelisting Withdrawal Addresses: Most reputable exchanges allow you to whitelist specific withdrawal addresses both crypto and bank accounts. Once whitelisted, withdrawals can only be sent to these pre-approved addresses, adding an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
  • Beware of Phishing Scams: Always double-check the URL of any exchange or wallet website before entering your credentials. Phishing websites mimic legitimate ones to steal your login information. Never click on suspicious links in emails or messages.
  • Software and Hardware Wallets: For larger amounts of ETH, consider moving them off exchanges into your own wallets.
    • Software Wallets Hot Wallets: Examples include MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Exodus. They are connected to the internet and are convenient for active trading.
    • Hardware Wallets Cold Wallets: Examples include Ledger, Trezor. These store your private keys offline, making them highly resistant to online hacks. They are ideal for long-term storage of significant amounts.
  • Private Key Security: If you use a non-custodial wallet where you control your private keys, understand that losing your seed phrase or private key means losing access to your funds forever. Store them securely offline, ideally in multiple, geographically separate locations. Never share your seed phrase with anyone.
  • Public Wi-Fi Avoidance: Refrain from accessing your crypto accounts or conducting transactions on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, which can be vulnerable to snooping.
  • Regular Software Updates: Keep your operating system, browser, and crypto-related apps updated to benefit from the latest security patches.

The Conversion Process: Step-by-Step Execution

Once you’ve chosen a secure platform and understood the associated risks, the actual conversion process is systematic.

  1. Fund Your Exchange Account with ETH:
    • Get Your ETH Deposit Address: Log in to your chosen exchange. Navigate to your wallet or “Deposit” section. Select “Ethereum ETH.” The exchange will display a unique ETH wallet address often a long string of alphanumeric characters starting with “0x” and a QR code.
    • Transfer ETH from Your Wallet: Open your external ETH wallet e.g., MetaMask. Select “Send.” Paste the copied ETH deposit address into the recipient field. Enter the amount of ETH you wish to send. Review the network gas fee. Confirm the transaction.
    • Confirmation: ETH transactions require confirmations on the blockchain. The number of confirmations varies by exchange often 12-30 confirmations. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on network congestion. You’ll receive a notification from the exchange once your ETH has arrived.
  2. Selling Your Ethereum for Naira:
    • Using the “Convert” Feature Simplest: Many exchanges offer a quick “Convert” option. You select ETH as the asset to convert from and NGN as the asset to convert to. Enter the amount of ETH, review the conversion rate and fees, and confirm. This is often suitable for beginners but might not offer the best exchange rate compared to spot trading.
    • Using Spot Trading More Control:
      • Navigate to the Trading Interface: Look for “Trade,” “Spot,” or “Markets.”
      • Select the ETH/NGN Pair: Use the search bar to find the trading pair.
      • Choose Order Type:
        • Market Order: Sells your ETH immediately at the best available current market price. This is fast but doesn’t guarantee a specific price.
        • Limit Order: Allows you to set a specific price at which you want to sell your ETH. Your order will only execute if the market price reaches your set limit. This offers more control but might take longer to fill.
      • Enter Amount: Specify the amount of ETH you want to sell.
      • Review and Confirm: Double-check the total amount of NGN you expect to receive minus trading fees before confirming your sell order.
  3. Withdrawing Naira to Your Bank Account:
    • Initiate Withdrawal: Go to your wallet or “Withdraw” section on the exchange. Select “NGN” or “Nigerian Naira.”
    • Select Withdrawal Method: Choose “Bank Transfer” or “Local Bank Transfer.”
    • Enter Bank Details: You will need to provide:
      • Your Bank Name e.g., Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBank
      • Your Bank Account Number
      • Your Account Name must match your verified name on the exchange
    • Enter Amount: Specify the amount of NGN you wish to withdraw.
    • Review Fees and Confirm: Review the withdrawal fee and the final amount that will be sent to your bank account. Confirm the withdrawal, which may require 2FA verification.
    • Processing Time: NGN withdrawals typically take between a few minutes to 24-48 hours, depending on the exchange’s processing times and your bank’s operational hours. Many exchanges process Naira withdrawals quite efficiently, with funds arriving within minutes during business hours.

Understanding Fees and Exchange Rates

Fees are an unavoidable part of cryptocurrency transactions.

Being aware of them helps in calculating your net return.

  • Network Gas Fees Ethereum Blockchain: When you transfer ETH from an external wallet to an exchange, you pay a network fee gas fee to the Ethereum miners/validators. These fees fluctuate based on network congestion. A common range can be from $5 to $50 or more for a single transaction, depending on demand. You can check average gas fees on sites like Etherscan.
  • Deposit Fees Exchange: Most exchanges do not charge fees for depositing cryptocurrencies.
  • Trading Fees Exchange: These are charged when you buy or sell crypto. They are usually a percentage of the trade value e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%. Some exchanges use a “maker-taker” model, where makers those who add liquidity with limit orders pay lower fees than takers those who remove liquidity with market orders.
  • Withdrawal Fees Exchange: Exchanges charge a fee for withdrawing fiat currency NGN to your bank account. This can be a flat fee e.g., 500 NGN to 1,500 NGN or a percentage.
  • Exchange Rates: The ETH/NGN exchange rate can vary slightly between platforms. It’s advisable to compare rates across a few reputable exchanges before making a trade to ensure you get the best value. Tools like CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap can help track real-time prices.
  • Hidden Spreads: Some “quick convert” features on exchanges might have a slightly less favorable exchange rate embedded within the price, rather than a transparent trading fee. Always check the quoted amount you will receive.

Regulatory Landscape in Nigeria and its Impact

The Nigerian regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies has been dynamic.

In February 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN issued a circular restricting banks and other financial institutions from facilitating cryptocurrency transactions.

This meant direct bank transfers to and from crypto exchanges became challenging.

  • Impact on Direct Fiat On/Off-Ramps: The CBN directive primarily affected direct deposits and withdrawals of NGN from centralized exchanges to Nigerian bank accounts. Many exchanges had to remove direct NGN deposit/withdrawal options.
  • Rise of P2P Trading: This regulatory stance significantly boosted the use of Peer-to-Peer P2P trading platforms, where users transact directly with each other via bank transfers, with the exchange acting as an escrow service. P2P has become the primary method for many Nigerians to convert crypto to Naira and vice-versa.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with a clear process, certain pitfalls can lead to losses or complications. Awareness is key to avoiding them.

  • Incorrect Wallet Address: Sending ETH to the wrong wallet address is irreversible. Always double-check the address copy-paste, then verify a few characters at the beginning and end before confirming any transaction. Some users even send a small test amount first for large transfers.
  • Choosing the Wrong Network: When transferring ETH, ensure you are sending it on the Ethereum network ERC-20. Sending ETH to a non-Ethereum network address e.g., Binance Smart Chain, Polygon without proper bridging can result in permanent loss. Exchanges typically specify which network is supported for deposits.
  • Phishing and Scams: As mentioned under security, be extremely wary of unsolicited messages, emails, or websites claiming to be from exchanges or offering too-good-to-be-true deals. Verify all information through official channels. Never share your private keys or seed phrase.
  • Market Volatility: The value of ETH can change rapidly. If you transfer ETH to an exchange and delay selling, its value in Naira might decrease significantly before you complete the conversion. Plan your transactions to minimize exposure to market fluctuations.
  • Underestimating Fees: Neglecting to account for all fees network, trading, withdrawal can lead to receiving less Naira than anticipated. Always review the fee breakdown before confirming.
  • Using Unverified P2P Merchants: On P2P platforms, always trade with verified merchants with a high completion rate and positive feedback. Avoid those with low ratings or new accounts without a transaction history. Always use the platform’s escrow service.
  • Internet Connectivity: Ensure you have a stable and secure internet connection when performing transactions. Interruptions can lead to errors or delays.

Post-Conversion: Responsible Financial Management

Once your Ethereum is successfully converted to Naira and in your bank account, the focus shifts to responsible financial management, aligning with Islamic principles of wealth.

  • Zakat on Wealth: If the converted Naira or the ETH before conversion meets the Nisab minimum threshold and a Hawl one lunar year has passed while it’s in your possession, then Zakat becomes obligatory. Zakat is a purification of wealth and a pillar of Islam, ensuring a portion of wealth is distributed to those in need.
  • Ethical Spending: Spend the funds on permissible and beneficial needs. Avoid extravagance and wasteful consumption. Prioritize necessities, family needs, and investments that contribute to society.
  • Halal Investments: Consider investing a portion of your funds into halal investment vehicles, such as Sharia-compliant equities, real estate, or ethical businesses, rather than keeping large amounts idle or in interest-bearing accounts.
  • Financial Planning: Integrate your crypto gains into your overall financial plan. Set clear goals for savings, investments, and charitable giving.
  • Giving Sadaqah Charity: Beyond obligatory Zakat, voluntary charity Sadaqah is highly encouraged in Islam. Giving a portion of your gains to those less fortunate is a way to show gratitude and earn blessings.
  • Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous records of your crypto transactions for tax purposes and personal financial auditing. While Nigeria’s crypto tax laws are still developing, it’s wise to be prepared.

By meticulously following these steps and remaining vigilant about security and ethical considerations, a Muslim professional can confidently and responsibly navigate the process of converting Ethereum to Nigerian Naira.

The key is to approach digital assets with knowledge, caution, and a clear understanding of one’s financial and spiritual obligations. How to convert pi to Ethereum

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ethereum ETH?

Ethereum ETH is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, which is a decentralized, open-source platform enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications dApps. It is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization after Bitcoin.

Why would I want to convert Ethereum to Naira?

You might want to convert Ethereum to Naira to cash out your crypto gains, use the funds for daily expenses, pay bills, make purchases, or transfer them to a traditional bank account for personal or business use in Nigeria.

Is it permissible for Muslims to hold or trade Ethereum?

Yes, generally, holding and trading Ethereum itself is considered permissible by many Islamic scholars, provided it is acquired through halal means and not used for impermissible activities.

The underlying technology blockchain, decentralization is neutral.

However, one must avoid activities like gambling, Riba interest-based transactions, or excessive speculation with no productive intent.

What are the main ways to convert ETH to NGN in Nigeria?

The main ways to convert ETH to NGN are through centralized cryptocurrency exchanges CEXs that support Naira withdrawals if available directly and, most commonly, through Peer-to-Peer P2P trading platforms where you can sell your ETH directly to other users for Naira via bank transfer.

Which exchanges allow ETH to NGN conversion?

Many international and local exchanges allow ETH to NGN conversion.

Popular options include Binance especially its P2P platform, Kraken, Luno, Bundle Africa, and Quidax.

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The direct bank withdrawal functionality for NGN on CEXs can vary due to Nigerian regulatory guidelines. How to convert hashrate to Ethereum

What is KYC Know Your Customer and why is it required?

KYC Know Your Customer is a mandatory verification process required by financial institutions, including crypto exchanges, to prevent financial crimes like money laundering and terrorism financing.

It involves submitting government-issued IDs, proof of address, and sometimes biometric verification.

How long does it take for ETH to arrive after depositing it to an exchange?

The time it takes for ETH to arrive after depositing it to an exchange depends on Ethereum network congestion and the number of confirmations required by the exchange. It can range from a few minutes to over an hour.

What are Ethereum network “gas fees”?

Ethereum network “gas fees” are transaction fees paid to validators formerly miners for processing and validating transactions on the Ethereum blockchain.

These fees fluctuate based on network demand and congestion, measured in “gwei.”

What is the difference between a “Market Order” and a “Limit Order” when selling ETH?

A “Market Order” sells your ETH immediately at the best available current market price.

A “Limit Order” allows you to set a specific price at which you want to sell your ETH.

The order will only execute if the market price reaches your set limit.

How long does it take to receive Naira after withdrawing from an exchange to my bank account?

Naira withdrawal times vary by exchange and bank.

Many reputable exchanges process NGN withdrawals within minutes to a few hours during business hours. How to convert Ethereum to ghana cedis

However, it can occasionally take up to 24-48 hours depending on bank processing times or specific exchange policies.

Are there withdrawal fees when converting ETH to NGN?

Yes, exchanges typically charge withdrawal fees for converting and sending NGN to your bank account.

These can be a flat fee or a percentage of the withdrawn amount.

Trading fees also apply when you sell your ETH for NGN.

What is the maximum amount of ETH I can convert to NGN?

The maximum amount you can convert often depends on your exchange’s daily or monthly withdrawal limits, which are usually tied to your KYC verification level.

Higher verification tiers generally have higher limits.

What should I do if my ETH deposit doesn’t show up on the exchange?

First, check the transaction status on Etherscan using the transaction ID TxID from your sending wallet.

If it’s confirmed on the blockchain but not on the exchange, contact the exchange’s customer support with your TxID and wallet address details.

Can I convert ETH directly to Naira without using an exchange?

Not directly in the sense of a one-to-one swap with a bank.

You would typically need a platform like a P2P service or a centralized exchange that facilitates the exchange and transfer to a bank account. How to convert Ethereum to real cash

Direct offline trades are possible but carry higher risks.

What are the risks of converting ETH to NGN via P2P?

Risks in P2P include encountering scammers though reputable platforms have escrow and dispute resolution, payment delays from the counterparty, and potential disputes.

Always use the platform’s escrow service, verify the counterparty’s reputation, and confirm payment before releasing crypto.

How do I protect myself from scams when converting crypto to Naira?

Always use reputable exchanges and P2P platforms with escrow services.

Enable 2FA, use strong unique passwords, whitelist withdrawal addresses, beware of phishing links, and never share your private keys or seed phrase.

Only release crypto on P2P after confirming payment in your bank account.

What if the Naira value of my Ethereum drops significantly before I convert it?

Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile.

If the value of your ETH drops, you will receive less Naira for the same amount of ETH.

It’s important to be aware of market fluctuations and consider your risk tolerance.

Selling immediately with a market order is one way to lock in the current price. How to convert Ethereum to dollars

Are there any tax implications for converting Ethereum to Naira in Nigeria?

It is advisable to keep detailed records and consult with a tax professional.

What if I send ETH to the wrong address during the conversion process?

If you send ETH to the wrong address, the transaction is irreversible on the blockchain.

It’s almost impossible to recover funds sent to an incorrect address.

This underscores the critical importance of always double-checking the recipient address before confirming any transaction.

Should I store my ETH on an exchange or in a private wallet before converting?

For small amounts you intend to convert quickly, storing ETH on a reputable exchange might be convenient.

However, for larger amounts or long-term holdings, it’s generally safer to store your ETH in a private wallet especially a hardware wallet where you control your private keys, moving it to an exchange only when you are ready to sell.

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