Business
Tech Experts Advocate for India’s Model in Nigeria’s Crypto Regulation

Technology and cryptocurrency experts are urging the Nigerian federal government to reconsider its approach to regulating cryptocurrencies, advocating for a model similar to India’s recent handling of regulatory issues with Binance. This call comes after India resolved its conflict with Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, by imposing a fine and allowing the company to resume normal operations.
India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) recently fined Binance $2.25 million for alleged violations of operating rules, including operating without proper registration as a reporting entity. Despite the hefty fine, India allowed Binance to continue its operations, marking a significant milestone in crypto regulation.
Some Nigerian tech experts, particularly those involved in crypto trading, believe that Nigeria should adopt a similar approach. They argue that India’s method of addressing the issue through financial penalties and regulatory compliance, rather than punitive actions, offers a more mature and profitable way of handling crypto regulation.
Currently, Binance is facing legal challenges in Nigeria, including charges of money laundering and tax evasion. This has led to the arrest and continued detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a prominent Binance executive. Experts argue that such aggressive measures are counterproductive and could harm Nigeria’s standing in the global crypto market.
At an event in Lagos, crypto trader Mark Nduagibe emphasized that cryptocurrency is a legitimate technological trading system, not a Ponzi scheme, and should be regulated as such. He highlighted India’s handling of the Binance issue as an example of how Nigeria could manage crypto regulations more effectively.
Nduagibe pointed out that India’s approach contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s, where authorities have taken a more punitive stance. He suggested that Nigeria should consider financial penalties and regulatory compliance instead of arresting executives, which does not benefit the country financially.
Joshua Michael, another crypto trader, echoed Nduagibe’s sentiments, stating that India’s resolution with Binance demonstrates that regulations can be enforced rigorously without becoming oppressive. He argued that Nigeria’s current regulatory tactics, including detaining individuals, could drive away potential investments and stifle innovation in the crypto industry.
The experts believe that by adopting a model similar to India’s, Nigeria could create a more favorable environment for innovation and investment in the cryptocurrency sector, ensuring both regulatory oversight and the growth of the industry.
Business
CBN expresses commitment to FX Code

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Code, stating that its operations align with the principles of the code.
In a statement signed by Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Deputy Governor of Economic Policy Mohammad Abdullahi, and Director of the Financial Markets Department Dr. Omolara Duke, the apex bank emphasized that its decision follows a review of the FX Global Code and recognition that the code represents a set of principles widely acknowledged as good practice in the foreign exchange market.
The statement confirmed that the CBN acts as a regulator to market participants as defined by the code and is committed to overseeing FX market activities in a manner consistent with its principles.
“To this end, the Bank has taken appropriate steps, based on the size and complexity of the FX Market, and therefore aligns its roles with the principles of the Code,” the statement added.
Business
FG launches electronic asset register to boost investment

The Federal Government has launched a national electronic assets register to provide real-time access to information on government-owned assets, aiming to enhance transparency and attract more investments into the country.
The digital registry was introduced by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, during an event that also featured the unveiling of a compendium of FAAC allocations to federal, state, and local governments from 2020 to 2023.
Madein described the initiative as a major milestone in improving public resource management, emphasizing that it is essential for financial sustainability and integrity. She stated that the project aligns with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling public funds and assets.
She noted that giving citizens access to information about public asset management would increase government accountability. “Whether it is infrastructure, equipment, or other public property, every asset must be accounted for,” she said.
The real-time access provided by the digital register is expected to support policy formulation, budgeting, and planning. Madein explained that by having a clear understanding of the government’s assets and their conditions, policymakers can make more informed decisions on resource allocation, investment management, and potential privatisation or public-private partnerships (PPPs) for underutilized assets.
She added that the initiative also aligns with international best practices, supporting Nigeria’s adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). These standards will help strengthen the credibility and integrity of the country’s financial statements.
On the compendium of FAAC allocations, Madein stated that it provides a detailed breakdown of revenue distribution to the three tiers of government and serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and the general public.
Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Aniete, who officially unveiled the compendium, praised the Accountant General’s efforts in promoting transparency and accountability. She described the electronic asset register as an important tool that will help determine the real value of Nigeria’s assets and create opportunities for local and foreign investment.
Business
Tariff increase will push available power generation to 7,000MW — Minister

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the proposed electricity tariff increase will help boost Nigeria’s available power generation capacity to 7,000 megawatts (MW). This comes after the country recorded its highest-ever available power generation of 6,003MW and a peak evacuation of 5,801.84MW last week.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu emphasized that tariff regularization is crucial for unlocking the sector’s full potential and sustaining ongoing improvements in power generation and distribution.
“To sustain these improvements, the government would have to pay down the tariff shortfalls of N1.94 trillion for 2024 and address legacy debts of N2 trillion to the GENCOs,” the minister said. He added that continued tariff reforms are necessary to ensure that consumers start paying for the energy they consume.
Adelabu reiterated the government’s intention to raise electricity tariffs for customers in Bands B, C, and D as part of efforts to enhance the sector’s liquidity and reduce subsidy obligations. The planned tariff hike is expected to narrow the gap between Band A customers—who currently pay higher rates—and those in lower bands.
The minister noted that Nigeria recently set another milestone with a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), attributing these achievements to ongoing reforms and infrastructural upgrades in the sector.
“We are thrilled to announce these historic milestones in Nigeria’s power sector,” Adelabu stated. “These achievements represent a brighter future where businesses can thrive, households can enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and the economy can grow sustainably.”
According to the minister, recent improvements result from collaborative efforts by the Federal Ministry of Power and key stakeholders to address longstanding challenges in the sector. These include the rehabilitation and upgrading of transmission and distribution networks, implementation of innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, and policy reforms aimed at improving accountability and sustainability.
While celebrating these milestones, Adelabu called for continued support from state governments, private sector stakeholders, and the general public. He stressed the need for collective action to sustain the momentum and build upon the progress made.
With power generation at a record high and tariff reforms on the horizon, stakeholders are hopeful that Nigeria’s electricity supply will see lasting improvements, ensuring stable and reliable power for businesses and households nationwide.
-
Foreign12 hours ago
Judge blocks Trump from deporting non-citizens using wartime law
-
News12 hours ago
Obasanjo bemoans selection process of traditional rulers in Nigeria
-
News12 hours ago
SERAP sues Akpabio over ‘failure to reverse unlawful suspension of Natasha Akpoti’
-
Metro12 hours ago
4 abducted victims rescued as police neutralise wanted kidnap kingpin
-
News12 hours ago
Market associations, women groups knock el-Rufai, rally support for Tinubu, Gov Sani