As a seasoned analyst with extensive experience in the global financial landscape, I find myself drawn to the compelling narrative unfolding in Nigeria’s cryptocurrency industry. Having worked in various regions, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of balanced regulation in fostering innovation and growth within emerging markets.


In Nigeria, there’s growing support for adjusting the legal structure overseeing the cryptocurrency sector, with proponents pushing for an emphasis on adherence to regulations instead of penalization. Obinna Iwuno, a former head of the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), has become a leading voice advocating for a more equitable regulatory strategy.

Iwuno has also noted that the current legal framework, which has resulted in contract laws and legal battles, and the arrest of cryptocurrency personalities, may harm Nigeria’s image and the development of the cryptocurrency business in the country. He has advocated for fines and operational restrictions to be an area of focus in the regulatory process as opposed to punitive measures unless there are litigation issues or threats to national security.

Given this claim, Iwuno suggested that when Nigeria participates in the global cryptocurrency market, it should focus on regulation instead of an outright ban. He explained that the advantages derived from properly regulating the system outweigh the disadvantages associated with it.

At present, this argument is being made as Nigeria finds itself embroiled in legal conflicts with Binance, a prominent international cryptocurrency exchange. To give you an example, Binance has been linked to allegations such as money laundering and tax evasion, resulting in the apprehension and imprisonment of its worker, Tigran Gambaryan. This stringent regulatory stance has sparked doubts among market players about Nigeria’s capacity to foster growth within the cryptocurrency sector and the nation’s financial reliability.

Nigeria Urged to Adopt Dialogue-Based Regulation Like India’s Handling of Binance

Nevertheless, certain local experts have pointed out that India’s handling of similar matters concerning Binance in recent times has shown improvement. For instance, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in India imposed a fine of approximately $2.25 million on Binance and mandated the exchange to register as a reporting entity. This registration allowed Binance to continue its operations within the legal framework that governs its activities, thereby establishing a commendable balance between regulatory oversight and cryptocurrency exchanges.

Policy analyst, Obinna Uzoije, shares Iwuno’s views on the contrasting strategies between India and Nigeria. Uzoije advocates for a collaborative approach to regulation, emphasizing that it fosters effective governance while promoting innovation, which is crucial in winning over investor confidence.

As a long-time observer of the financial sector, particularly in Nigeria, I have come to believe that adopting a compliance-focused regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies could significantly bolster the growth and stability of this burgeoning industry. My years of experience in the industry have shown me that clear and consistent regulations can foster trust among investors, reduce instances of fraud, and promote responsible innovation. In Nigeria, where the digital currency market is still in its infancy, establishing such a framework now could position our country to become a global leader in this space, ultimately benefiting both businesses and consumers alike.

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2024-08-25 22:38