Connect with us

Crypto

Nigeria’s SEC Grants Approvals to Crypto Operators: A Step Towards Regulation and Acceptance

Phinadon Mag

Published

on

In a significant move towards the formal acceptance of cryptocurrency in Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted operational approvals to several crypto operators. On Thursday, the SEC announced that it had issued approval-in-principle to two Digital Asset Exchanges to commence operations under its Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Program (ARIP). Additionally, five firms have been admitted to test their models and technologies under the Regulatory Incubation Program (RI).

Among the approved firms are Busha Digital Limited, Quidax Technologies Limited, Trovotech Ltd, Wrapped CBDC Ltd, HousingExchange.NG Ltd, Dream City Capital, and Blockvault Custodian Ltd. The ARIP aims to onboard firms that were operational prior to the introduction of the Rules on Virtual Asset Service Providers in May 2022, while the RI Program is designed to assess and refine the business models of digital asset firms, enabling them to test their products in a regulated environment.

This initiative aligns with recent comments from Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who mentioned that the government is drafting an executive bill to regulate the cryptocurrency sector to ensure it contributes positively to Nigeria’s economic development.

The SEC’s approvals signify a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s approach to cryptocurrency, especially in light of previous crackdowns on the sector earlier in 2024. These measures were introduced following the lifting of a ban on official crypto transactions in December 2023, primarily targeting operators accused of contributing to the naira’s volatility and financial misconduct.

Michael Adeyeri, CEO of Busha, expressed his satisfaction with the approval, highlighting the firm’s commitment to security and compliance throughout a rigorous five-year engagement with the regulatory process. These approvals mark Busha Digital Limited and Quidax Technologies Limited as Nigeria’s first licensed crypto operators.

The increase in regulatory oversight comes amid Nigeria’s status as one of the largest peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto markets globally, with substantial transaction volumes reported by Chainalysis. Industry analysts, including Senator Ihenyen, advocate for regulation, emphasizing that formal oversight will enhance consumer protection and investor safety.

The SEC has reiterated that only approved digital exchanges and platforms are authorized to conduct crypto trading in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of the ARIP and RI as essential pathways for legitimate entities seeking to introduce digital products and services to the Nigerian capital market. As the regulatory landscape evolves, the SEC continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of cryptocurrency in Nigeria.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Nigeria’s Growth Surge: Built on Hot Money, Not Hard Investment

Phinadon Mag

Published

on

Nigeria’s economy grew 4.23% in Q2 2025, but experts warn the growth is driven by hot money chasing high yields, not sustainable investments in factories and infrastructure.

Nigeria’s economy is currently experiencing a period of growth, with a reported 4.23% year-on-year increase in Q2 2025 – the fastest in four years. Foreign investors are returning, and the naira appears to have stabilized. However, beneath the surface lies a troubling reality: this growth is largely fueled by “hot money” chasing high yields, rather than sustainable, long-term investments in factories, infrastructure, and industries that create jobs.

The Lure of High Yields

Nigeria’s capital account reveals a stark imbalance. While portfolio inflows have surged, with over 80% directed towards money market instruments offering yields above 20%, foreign direct investment (FDI) has collapsed, falling by nearly 70% in Q1 2025.

This suggests that Nigeria is attracting speculative capital, not the kind of “hard investment” that builds industries, creates employment, and drives long-term development.

Hot Money vs. Hard Investment

The distinction between hot money and hard investment is critical:

  • Hard investment: When companies build factories or infrastructure, the capital is “sticky.” It remains in the country despite political instability or currency fluctuations, fostering job creation, technology transfer, and skill development.
  • Hot money: Investments in treasury bills or short-term instruments vanish as soon as yields rise elsewhere. While they may temporarily boost foreign reserves, they leave no lasting impact on the real economy.

Nigeria risks becoming a haven for yield-seeking investors rather than a genuine development story.

The Three Pillars of Nigeria’s Capital Account

  1. Remittances
    • Nigeria’s most reliable source of foreign exchange, driven by family ties.
    • In 2024, remittances reached US$20.93 billion, with 2025 trends pointing to US$25–26 billion.
    • While they cushion consumption and provide stability, they rarely fund industrial development.
  2. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
    • Historically vital in oil, telecoms, and manufacturing, creating jobs and technology spillovers.
    • Now in decline due to policy uncertainty, infrastructure deficits, and security risks.
    • High-yield government paper further discourages long-term commitments.
  3. Portfolio Flows
    • Have filled the gap left by declining FDI.
    • Boost central bank reserves but are inherently volatile.
    • As seen in Turkey’s 2018 crisis, sudden outflows can trigger currency collapse and reserve depletion.

A System Skewed Towards Volatility

Nigeria’s high interest rates, intended to combat inflation and attract capital, have created a system that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term development.

  • Investors chase quarterly returns.
  • Policymakers scramble to secure foreign exchange to defend the naira, service debt, and fund imports.
  • This misalignment of incentives undermines Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

From Stability to Transformation

While hot money provides short-term relief, it cannot drive sustainable growth. Nigeria must shift its focus toward attracting hard investment that builds industries, creates jobs, and fosters innovation.

To achieve this, Nigeria needs to:

  • Strengthen policy consistency to restore investor confidence.
  • Invest in infrastructure and security to reduce risks.
  • Create incentives for long-term capital in manufacturing, energy, and technology.

Only by prioritizing hard investment over hot money can Nigeria move from fragile stability to genuine transformation and position itself among the world’s emerging economic powers.

Continue Reading

Business

Dogecoin Price Action Remains Bullish, Supported by Long-Term Indicators

Phinadon Mag

Published

on

Dogecoin (DOGE) is exhibiting bullish tendencies, maintaining an uptrend on higher timeframes and holding above critical moving averages. According to crypto analyst Cantonese Cat, strong long-term chart signals underpin this positive outlook.

Key Observations:

  • Higher Timeframe Uptrend: Despite recent sideways price action, Dogecoin remains above its 20-week and 20-month moving averages, suggesting a sustained bullish pattern.
  • Daily Chart Consolidation: Currently trading below its 20-day moving average and the Ichimoku Cloud, Dogecoin is in a consolidation phase rather than a breakdown. A recently formed two-bar bottom pattern indicates potential demand at support levels.
  • Ichimoku Retest: Dogecoin is retesting the tenkan and kijun levels within the Ichimoku system, a crucial juncture for gaining upward momentum. Recovering these positions is essential for surpassing resistance and maintaining the bullish trend.
  • Broader Altcoin Market Support: The overall altcoin market, as indicated by TOTAL 3 (total crypto market cap excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum), is forming a healthy pattern conducive to altcoin growth. Ethereum’s breakout above a key Fibonacci level further reinforces this positive sentiment.
  • Key Indicators: The 20-week and 20-month moving averages remain pivotal indicators for bullish continuation.

Analyst Perspective:

Cantonese Cat emphasizes that Dogecoin’s ability to hold its higher-timeframe supports, even in the face of daily losses, is due to the positive context of the broader altcoin market.

Current Status:

As of August 20, 2025, Dogecoin opened at $0.21466. The analyst identifies the 20-week and 20-month moving averages as key levels to watch for confirmation of the ongoing bullish trend.

Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are subject to high market risk. Please invest cautiously.

Continue Reading

Crypto

President Trump’s Message Ahead of Super Bowl LIX: A Celebration of Unity and Excellence,

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

On the eve of Super Bowl LIX, President Donald Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event through a public statement, highlighting the significance of football in American culture. Scheduled to take place in New Orleans, the match will feature a fierce competition between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles as they vie for the prestigious Vince Lombardi Trophy.

In his message, President Trump emphasized that football is not merely a game but a vital component of national unity. He stated, “The coaches, players, and team staff on the field tonight represent the best of the best in professional football, but they also embody the best of the American Dream.” This sentiment resonates with many fans who admire the dedication and resilience required to reach such a celebrated stage.

The President further articulated the community-strengthening essence of the sport, noting that it fosters connections among families, friends, and fans. He commended the commitment of players to both their sport and the greater good, illustrating how their journeys inspire countless individuals across the nation.

In light of the recent tragic events in the city, Trump also took a moment to acknowledge the loss of life and injuries resulting from a terror attack on New Year’s Day, extending his prayers for ongoing strength and healing to those affected.

As anticipation builds for the evening’s kickoff at 6:30 PM ET, which will be broadcast live on Fox, fans everywhere are reminded of the unifying power of sports—a sentiment poignantly reiterated by the President in his remarks.

Continue Reading

Trending