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Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan Denied Bail in Nigeria
11.10.2024
The Binance executive has been detained in Nigeria since February
Nigerian Fintech Okra Launches Cloud Unit to Boost Revenue
11.10.2024
Nigerian fintech startup Okra has entered the cloud infrastructure market in West Africa with its new subsidiary, Nebula. The move aims to diversify revenue and mitigate economic risks. Nebula offers a more affordable alternative to global cloud providers and aligns with the government’s push...
Nigeria Injects $543.5M to Shore up Naira
9.10.2024
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) injected $543.5 million into the Nigerian foreign exchange market between September 6th and 30th to address currency volatility. The bank attributed the volatility to high demand for imports and seasonal factors. Nigeria is facing foreign exchange shortages and...
Nigeria Central Bank Governor Defends Naira Float Decision
8.10.2024
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, emphasized the importance of the decision to float the naira, despite public criticism of the move. He stated that the disparity between official and parallel exchange rates encouraged arbitrage and speculation, eroding market...
Nigeria’s Oil-for-Naira Program, Blackrock’s New Stablecoin, and More — Week in Review
6.10.2024
Nigeria introduced an “oil-for-naira” program by selling crude oil to Aliko Dangote’s refinery in a bid to stabilize the weakening local currency. Blackrock announced its support for UStb, a new stablecoin from Ethena Labs. The SEC has formally appealed a court ruling in...
Nigeria Introduces System to Boost Forex Market Transparency
5.10.2024
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is launching a new electronic system (EFEMS) to improve transparency in the foreign exchange market. This comes as the Nigerian currency weakens. Authorized dealers must comply with existing regulations and complete necessary preparations before using EFEMS....
Nigeria to Launch $1.5M Initiative to Boost AI Development
5.10.2024
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has announced a $1.5 million initiative to boost the country’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. This fund, supported by Luminate, a global foundation, will be launched on Oct. 7 in Abuja....
Stablecoins now 43% of Sub-Saharan Africa crypto tx volume: Chainalysis
2.10.2024
Nigeria and Ethiopia have both experienced local currency devaluation which has driven stablecoin adoption.
Nigeria Unveils Oil-for-Naira Program to Stabilize Local Currency
2.10.2024
Nigeria began selling crude oil to billionaire Aliko Dangote’s new refinery in naira on October 1st. This “oil for naira” scheme aims to ease pressure on the struggling Nigerian currency, the naira, which has lost significant value this year. However, the success of the scheme...
'Is Daddy on the Airplane?' Jailed Binance Exec Gambaryan Family’s Ordeal in New Podcast
1.10.2024
“Is Daddy on the airplane?” my son asked. Yuki Gambaryan, the wife of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who is jailed in Nigeria tells of her family’s ordeal in a new podcast, “Designated.”
Nigeria’s Central Bank Raises Benchmark Rate by 50 Basis Points
25.9.2024
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points to 27.25% and increased the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for banks. These measures aim to combat inflation and stabilize the Nigerian economy. The CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, stated that the reforms...
Nigerian Entrepreneur: Recent Regulatory Moves Signal Support for Crypto
22.9.2024
While Nigerian authorities have generally been perceived as having an anti-crypto stance, recent developments on the regulatory front suggest a shift toward supporting crypto businesses. Buchi Okoro, CEO of the digital asset exchange Quidax, which recently obtained an operating license, believes...
Binance CEO says task force is working ‘across the clock’ to free exec in Nigeria
19.9.2024
Binance CEO Richard Teng said the company has continued to explore every legal and political avenue to bring Gambaryan home as his health deteriorates by the day.
Binance Seeks Release of Jailed Employee Before Pursuing Nigerian License
19.9.2024
Binance has made the release of Tigran Gambaryan a condition for seeking registration in Nigeria. The exchange is reluctant to register due to outstanding issues with the government. It reportedly believes the SEC’s hastily formulated framework is not supported by law. Despite this, Binance...
Global Surge in CBDC Development: 134 Countries Now Exploring Digital Currencies
19.9.2024
New data shows that 134 countries, representing 98% of global GDP, are now exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), with 66 nations advancing to pilot or development stages. Every G20 nation is engaged in CBDC efforts, with notable leaders such as China and the European nations pushing...
Binance exec’s mother pleads with US gov’t to secure his release
18.9.2024
Detained in Nigeria for more than six months and with reported deteriorating health, Tigran Gambaryan likely won’t return to court until Oct. 9
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...
Nigeria Accuses Four Crypto Traders of Forex Regulations Violations
13.9.2024
The Nigerian government has filed criminal charges against four individuals and several firms for allegedly conducting illegal crypto transactions, including USDT to naira conversions, without a banking license. The four are Ejiogu A. Chinedu, Nnamdi F. Okereke, Oty Ugochukwu Stanley,...
US Urges Nigeria to Release Jailed Binance Employee, Considers ‘Wrongfully Detained’ Designation
13.9.2024
The U.S. is urging Nigeria to release Tigran Gambaryan, a jailed Binance employee, due to humanitarian concerns. This has become a major point of tension in U.S.-Nigeria relations. U.S. officials say Gambaryan’s health issues warrant his release, while his family claims he’s denied...
US Once Again Urges Nigeria to Release Gambaryan of Binance
13.9.2024
The U.S. government has once again urged Nigeria to release an employee of the leading crypto exchange Binance,…