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IMF backs Nigeria crypto adoption amid local SEC crackdown
10.5.2024
The IMF recommendation sets out to remedy the macroeconomic challenges Nigeria faces while attracting global investment
Nigerian stakeholders demand Binance reveal identity of bribe agent
8.5.2024
SIBAN’s executive secretary, Rume Ophi, stressed that Binance should reveal names to substantiate the claim and allow authorities to address wrongdoing
Nigerian officials proposed secret crypto settlement, claims Binance CEO
7.5.2024
Binance CEO Richard Teng says the Nigerian government has set a dangerous precedent after inviting company executives to meetings before detaining them
Nigerian Court Postpones Binance, Tigran Gambaryan Money Laundering Trial to May 17
6.5.2024
A Nigerian court recently adjourned the trial of Binance and its executive, Tigran Gambaryan, to May 17. The adjournment came after the cryptocurrency exchange’s attorney stated that he had not received the necessary documents to prepare a defense. However, Nigerian authorities reportedly provided...
Nigeria Mulls Over Banning P2P Crypto Transactions; Labels Crypto Trading as National Security Concern
5.5.2024
Nigerian authorities are reportedly planning to prohibit financial institutions from facilitating peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions. According to a report, Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser has classified cryptocurrency trading as a national security concern. Three fintech...
Nigeria Cryptocurrency Clampdown: Central Bank Directs Fintech Firms to Stop Opening New Accounts
1.5.2024
The Central Bank of Nigeria has directed four fintech companies to cease the creation of new accounts, citing their potential use by cryptocurrency traders. An executive from one of the affected fintech companies has associated the Central Bank’s directive with a current audit of the Know Your...
Experts: Nigeria’s Binance Crackdown Shakes Investor Confidence
16.4.2024
The Nigerian government’s crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges, including its targeting of Binance, has prompted some cryptocurrency firms to reconsider plans to either enter or further invest in the West African nation. A founder of a cryptocurrency exchange stated that the crackdown on Binance...
Binance: Detained Executive Lacks Decision-Making Authority, Must Be Released
4.4.2024
Tigran Gambaryan, the Binance employee detained by Nigerian authorities, is a stringent law enforcement professional with no decision-making authority, according to the crypto exchange. Through his Financial Crime Compliance (FCC) team, Gambaryan has responded to more than 600 information requests...
Detained Binance Executive Escapes Custody in Nigeria, Government to Request Interpol Assistance
26.3.2024
A senior executive at Binance, who was detained by Nigerian authorities in late February, has since escaped from custody. The executive Nadeem Anjarwalla is believed to have left the country using a Kenyan passport. The Nigerian government confirmed Anjarwalla’s escape and said it would...
Group Urges US President Joe Biden to Secure Release of ‘Kidnapped’ Former Federal Agent
18.3.2024
The Chamber of Digital Commerce, a blockchain and crypto advocacy group, has urged U.S. President Joe Biden to assist in securing the release of a Binance executive “kidnapped” by the Nigerian government. The group warned that the Nigerian government’s arbitrary detention of Tigran...
Blockchain Advocacy Group Says Nigerian Government’s Actions Could Drive Crypto Activities Underground
5.3.2024
Nigerian blockchain lobby group has said the government’s decision to block access to crypto trading like Binance, Kraken and Coinbase will not “help Nigeria build the much-needed trust and confidence in the financial system.” The advocacy group also said the Nigerian...
Binance Nigeria Standoff: Crypto Exchange’s Top Executives Summoned by House of Representatives Committee
4.3.2024
Top executives from Binance have been summoned to appear before the Nigerian House of Representatives Financial Crimes Committee no later than March 4. Ginger Onwusibe, the committee’s chairperson, has warned of possible repercussions should Binance executives fail to comply with the request....
Binance Claims Ignorance of $10 Billion Fine Imposed by Nigerian Government
4.3.2024
Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has denied allegations made by a Nigerian government official that it is facing a $10 billion fine. While Binance maintains its commitment to fostering a positive relationship with the Nigerian government, it firmly states that it will not succumb...
Report: Nigerian Government Imposes $10 Billion Fine on Binance
2.3.2024
The Nigerian government has reportedly slapped the cryptocurrency exchange Binance with a $10 billion fine. According to a Nigerian government official, Binance is being punished for causing the local currency’s recent plunge against major currencies. Binance’s Alleged Influence on...
Nigerian Presidential Adviser Assails Binance, Calls for Measures Against the Crypto Exchange
2.3.2024
Bayo Onanuga, a special adviser to the Nigerian president, has leveled accusations against Binance, blaming it for exacerbating the local currency’s depreciation against major currencies. Onanuga called for immediate action against Binance, warning that its activities could potentially undermine...
Consortium of Nigerian Banks and Fintechs Cleared to Pilot Stablecoin
7.1.2024
The Nigerian central bank has given its go-ahead for the Africa Stablecoin Consortium (ASC) to pilot its cNGN stablecoin initiative in the financial regulator’s regulatory sandbox. The ASC asserts that the cNGN stablecoin can prove to be vital not only for the country’s payment rails but...
Prohibition of Cash Withdrawals From VASPs Operated Accounts May Contradict Central Bank’s Cashless Policy — Nigerian Lawyer
7.1.2024
Nigerian fintech lawyer Senator Ihenyen said the new central bank guidelines which bar the withdrawal of cash from accounts operated by virtual asset service providers (VASPs) seem “reasonable and understandable.” The lawyer however believes an “outright” prohibition of cash...
Nigerian Crypto Exchange Describes Deposit Suspension as ‘Industry-Standard Precautionary Measure’
19.12.2023
The Nigerian cryptocurrency exchange platform Bitmama recently said it has temporarily suspended deposits due to “ongoing third-party maintenance.” Bitmama said that while earlier media reports about its suspension of deposits are correct, they nevertheless “lack context,”...
Report: 47% of Nigerians Engaged in Crypto-Related Activities
10.12.2023
A new study has found that as much as 47% of Nigerians are actively engaged in crypto trading which is now increasingly incorporated in their financial lives. The analysis also showed that crypto ownership in the country grew by 15% between 2020 and 2023. Cryptocurrencies No Longer Seen...
Nigeria Law Enforcement Nab Politician Who Laundered Funds Stolen From Crypto Exchange
26.11.2023
Nigerian law enforcement recently arrested a politician who is accused of laundering digital funds that were stolen from Patricia Technologies in May. CEO Hanu Fejiro praised the politician’s arrest and said the recovered funds will “go a long way to soothe Patricia users.”...