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Nigerian Blockchain Group Ousts President, Who Remains Defiant
14.9.2024
The Stakeholders in Blockchain Association of Nigeria (SIBAN) expelled its president, Obinna Iwuno, for allegedly registering an illegal body and misusing his position. Iwuno denied these allegations and accused the SIBAN board of trustees of acting unlawfully. Despite the expulsion, Iwuno claimed...
Nigerian Blockchain Leader: Approval of 2 Crypto Exchanges Brings Much-Needed Regulatory Clarity
31.8.2024
A Nigerian blockchain industry leader has described the recent approval of two crypto exchanges by the securities regulator as a positive step that improves the image of Nigeria’s crypto space. The leader believes clear regulations will attract foreign investors and benefit Nigerian...
Stakeholders urge Nigeria to adopt compliance-focused crypto regulation
25.8.2024
While the government’s concerns are valid, industry stakeholders agree that a more measured approach could yield better outcomes
Nigerian Regulator Labels Binance Affiliate’s Local Operations Illegal
11.6.2023
The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission has said crypto exchange Binance’s local affiliate “is neither registered nor regulated by the Commission and its operations in Nigeria are therefore illegal.” The regulator has also said anyone who continues to deal with Binance...
Experts Say Nigeria’s Blockchain Adoption Strategy Likely to Add Clarity and Legitimacy to Ecosystem
9.5.2023
The recent approval of a blockchain adoption strategy by the Nigerian government has been described as a milestone that will “add clarity, trust and confidence in the [blockchain] ecosystem.” The unveiling of the adoption strategy document has also been hailed as a step that will lend...
Report: AAX Users Storm Crypto Exchange’s Nigerian Offices, Attack Employees
4.12.2022
Nigeria users of the crypto exchange AAX, which suspended withdrawals on Nov. 12, reportedly stormed its offices in Lagos and began assaulting employees. Reports that disgruntled AAX users have harassed the crypto exchange’s workers came just days after the Nigerian crypto and blockchain...
FTX Collapse: African Crypto Industry Leaders’ Perspective and Advice to Regulators
16.11.2022
The collapse of FTX and subsequent calls for tougher regulation by the likes of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren have increased the likelihood of regulators adopting even stricter crypto laws. In Africa, crypto industry participants warn of the unintended consequences arising from rushed...
Zugacoin Controversy: Supposed Poverty Eradicating Cryptocurrency Criticized as Just Another Complex Nigerian Ponzi Scheme
27.8.2022
After reports that merchants and holders of “Zugacoin” cryptocurrency are unable to make withdrawals, the founder of the Nigerian crypto, Sam Zuga responded by accusing unnamed “ignorant people” of working to tarnish the project. One Nigerian expert has advised...
Nigerian Blockchain and Crypto Association Introduces a Code of Conduct for VASPs
6.6.2022
The Nigerian blockchain and crypto advocacy group, the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association in Nigeria (SIBAN) recently announced the introduction of a code of conduct for Nigerian virtual assets service providers. The code of conduct, which was initiated by the office of the President...
Nigerian Agencies Told to Stop ‘Demonizing’ Crypto Industry Players
20.4.2022
Nigerian public and law enforcement agencies have been urged to “stop the demonization” of the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry. According to an association that advocates for the risk-based regulation of the crypto industry, financial institutions should not use a Nigerian...
Nigerian Blockchain Advocacy Group Says ‘Crypto Is Legit’ — Calls for Regulation of Industry
7.2.2022
The Nigerian blockchain advocacy group, the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SIBAN), has said crypto is legit and must be regulated. The group adds that any such regulation should on one hand encourage innovation, but discourage bad actors on the other. Equal Access...
Nigerian Lawmakers Urged to Consider Regulating Crypto Industry After Proposal to Jail Ponzi Operators
27.1.2022
The leader of the Nigerian blockchain association, Senator Ihenyen, has implored the country’s lawmakers — currently pushing for the securities law to be revamped — to consider crafting laws that regulate the crypto industry. Proposed Law Does Not Expressly Mention...
Nigerian Central Bank Intensifying Fight Against Cryptocurrency Traders
10.11.2021
Just a few days after launching the e-naira digital currency, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is now reportedly ramping up the pressure against cryptocurrency traders. Bank Employees Warned In a memo to its staff seen by Bitcoin.com News, one of Nigeria’s leading banks, FCMB, warns...
Leader of Nigerian Crypto Stakeholders’ Body Welcomes the E-Naira — Says It ‘Comes With No Magic Wand’
1.8.2021
Nigeria’s proposed digital currency, the e-naira, is likely to be a welcome boost to ongoing efforts to reduce the number of Nigerians that are financially excluded, a leader of a stakeholders’ body has said. However, according to Senator Ihenyen, the president of Stakeholders...
Central Bank of Nigeria Orders Banks to Close Accounts of Crypto Clients as Remittances via Traditional Corridors Drop by 97%
6.2.2021
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has circulated a letter directing banks and financial institutions to identify and close accounts of cryptocurrency transacting entities. The directive, which took immediate effect, threatens “severe regulatory sanctions” to financial institutions that...
Nigerian Youth Propels the Country to the Top of Google Bitcoin Search Rankings
15.1.2021
Nigeria, one of the biggest cryptocurrency markets in the world, recently emerged as the country with the highest number of bitcoin searches globally, according to Google Trends data. The data shows that the West African country has a search score of 100, which is more than double that of...
Nigerian Authorities Put Mastermind of the Inksnation Crypto Scam on Wanted List
16.11.2020
Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is seeking the public’s help in locating Omotade Sparks Amos Sewanu, the mastermind behind the Inksnation crypto scam. According to a notice published in the local media on November 11, the EFCC wants Sewanu to respond to fraud...
Brazen Nigerian Crypto Scam Inksnation Still Operational Three Months After Regulator Warning
20.9.2020
One of Nigeria’s most brazen crypto scams, Inksnation remains operational and still invites new investors some three months after the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) deemed its activities illegal. The SEC has previously warned Nigerians against investing with the scam...
Forex Strapped Nigeria Designates Crypto Assets as Securities
15.9.2020
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria has designated crypto assets as securities as the authorities step up efforts to regulate Africa’s largest cryptocurrency market. The SEC says the classification of crypto assets for regulation is consistent with the country’s...
Ignorance and Greed Sustain Cryptocurrency Scams in Nigeria
28.7.2020
Nigeria is not only Africa’s biggest cryptocurrency market but is also a leading adopter of digital currencies globally. Official figures show the country is well ahead of fellow African countries. Citizens of the West African state use cryptocurrencies for cross border payments as well...