Experts Say Nigeria’s Blockchain Adoption Strategy Likely to Add Clarity and Legitimacy to Ecosystem

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 “some form of legitimacy” to a technology that many … Read more

After Presidential Rebuke, Nigeria’s Central Bank Says Demonetized Naira Banknotes Still Legal Tender

The Nigerian central bank has said the recently demonetized ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1,000 banknotes will remain legal tender until Dec. 31, 2023. The central bank statement, which reaffirms a Supreme Court ruling that extended the lifespan of the demonetized naira banknotes, followed a rebuke of the CBN by the outgoing Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari. Central … Read more

Report: Nigerian Security Agency Seeks to Arrest Central Bank Governor on Charges of Funding Terrorists

The Nigerian security agency, the Department of State Services (DSS), has reportedly instructed its operatives to arrest the Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele as soon as he is seen in public. The DSS is still seeking to apprehend Emefiele despite losing its bid to have a Nigerian court sanction the arrest. Nigerian Court … Read more

Nigerian Presidential Hopeful’s Party Says It Will Review Country’s Blockchain and Crypto Policy if Elected

The party of the Nigerian presidential hopeful Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has promised to set up an advisory committee to review regulations that govern blockchain and virtual asset services if it wins in the upcoming elections. The All Progressives Congress also said it “will work with the Central Bank and the financial sector to carefully review … Read more

Nigerian Presidential Candidate Says Fixed Exchange Rate Regime ‘Has to End’ — Touts Success of Fintech Unicorn Flutterwave

A Nigerian presidential election candidate, Peter Obi, has said the local currency’s exchange rate against the dollar must not be fixed but must be determined “by the forces of demand and supply.” Pointing to the success of the Nigerian fintech Flutterwave, the candidate said if elected, his government will create an enabling environment for other … Read more

Report: Nigerian Fintechs Account for Nearly 91% of $417.5 Million Raised by Tech Startups in the Country

According to an analysis of the $417.5 million that was raised by Nigerian tech startups during the first nine months of 2021, fintech firms accounted for about $379 million or 90.78% of the total. Nigerian Fintechs Dominate the African Continent Nigerian fintechs currently account for more than 90% of the $417.5 million that was raised … Read more

CBDC Could Increase Nigeria’s GDP by $29 Billion in 10 Years: President Buhari

The Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, suggested in a recent speech that the new e-naira central bank digital currency (CBDC) could lead to an increase in the value of his country’s GDP by $29 billion in ten years. Africa’s First CBDC President Buhari made bold remarks in his speech at Monday’s launch of the e-naira CBDC, … Read more

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to Unveil Country’s CBDC

The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to formally launch the country’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) on October 25, 2021. High-Level Endorsement of the CBDC According to a statement released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the formal event marking the e-naira’s launch will be held at the Buhari’s official residence. After the … Read more