diff --git a/cmd/nitro/nitro.go b/cmd/nitro/nitro.go
index 00dc7bb461..bc2155a475 100644
--- a/cmd/nitro/nitro.go
+++ b/cmd/nitro/nitro.go
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ func mainImpl() int {
 	// If sequencer and signing is enabled or batchposter is enabled without
 	// external signing sequencer will need a key.
 	sequencerNeedsKey := (nodeConfig.Node.Sequencer && !nodeConfig.Node.Feed.Output.DisableSigning) ||
-		(nodeConfig.Node.BatchPoster.Enable && nodeConfig.Node.BatchPoster.DataPoster.ExternalSigner.URL == "")
+		(nodeConfig.Node.BatchPoster.Enable && (nodeConfig.Node.BatchPoster.DataPoster.ExternalSigner.URL == "" || nodeConfig.Node.DataAvailability.Enable))
 	validatorNeedsKey := nodeConfig.Node.Staker.OnlyCreateWalletContract ||
 		(nodeConfig.Node.Staker.Enable && !strings.EqualFold(nodeConfig.Node.Staker.Strategy, "watchtower") && nodeConfig.Node.Staker.DataPoster.ExternalSigner.URL == "")