Nigeria Legalizes Cryptocurrency: What This New Law Means for Investors and Regulators

SEC Nigeria to Regulate Virtual Asset Service Providers Under New Law

Nigeria has made a substantial stride in controlling cryptocurrencies by legally enacting the Nigerian Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.

Cryptocurrency Officially Recognized As Asset Class

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest approval, the Nigerian Investments and Securities Act of 2025, hereafter referred to as ISA 2025, has provided clarity regarding the status of cryptocurrencies. As per Ophi Rume, a local crypto enthusiast and instructor, this updated securities legislation formally acknowledges cryptocurrencies as a distinct asset category.

Acknowledging them as valid now removes any doubts concerning cryptocurrencies and effectively lifts the ban on them. Moreover, according to Rume, authorities who had been targeting individuals dealing with such assets must cease their activities.

Rume’s remarks came days after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria said the new act effectively overrides the Investments and Securities Act No. 29 of 2007. Director-General Emomotimi Agama said the new law empowers SEC Nigeria to foster innovation and protect investors more efficiently. He added that it repositioned Nigeria as a competitive destination for local and foreign investments.

In addition to classifying digital assets and investment contracts as securities, the ISA 2025 extends the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria’s regulatory authority over virtual asset service providers (VASPs). Furthermore, this legislation outlaws Ponzi schemes and imposes severe penalties, such as imprisonment, on their promoters.

In Nigeria’s crypto industry, those supporting the suggested penalties for Ponzi schemes express approval. However, Rume advises that the part dealing with financial penalties should be revised to guarantee these penalties are proportionate to the offense.

The educator stated that while a fine of 20 million naira [$13,000] might appear insignificant for a platform accused of swindling large sums of money, say half a million dollars, such an amount would likely be considered trivial to them.

In essence, Rume recommended that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria should stimulate innovation within the cryptocurrency sector by offering temporary tax exemptions to international firms interested in entering the country’s crypto market.

Read More

2025-04-01 02:00