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The situation became confusion when the central bank of Nigeria initially refuted the report on X, only to remove the denial. Later, they asserted that the allegations were indeed false, leading to uncertainty regarding the true circumstances.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rejected claims it instructed banks and financial companies to identify crypto exchange users. Reports stated accounts engaging in such transactions were put on Post No Debit (PND) for six-month restrictions. However, the CBN denied issuing directives requiring identification of crypto traders and temporary account freezes.
The situation became confusion when the central bank initially refuted the report on X, only to remove the denial. Later, they asserted that the allegations were indeed false, leading to uncertainty regarding the true circumstances.
— Central Bank of Nigeria (@cenbank) April 24, 2024In December 2023, the financial institution allowed banks to facilitate transactions for licensed crypto exchanges, lifting a two-year prohibition. However, this recent reversal shows growing concerns within the Nigerian government regarding cryptocurrency’s potential impact on economic stability within the nation.
Binance Faces Scrutiny amid Nigeria’s Naira Crisis
Nigeria has been struggling with substantial devaluations of its nationwide currency, the naira. Inflation escalated to an alarming 29.9% by April 2024. Seeking stability, authorities scrutinize cryptocurrency platforms, viewing them as potential destabilizers amidst this financial turmoil.
Binance, the largest crypto exchange, has been a focal point of the CBN’s scrutiny. In 2023, the bank raised concerns about $26 billion worth of suspicious financial transactions passing through Binance Nigeria. These transactions allegedly involved unknown sources and users, prompting investigations.
Adding fuel to the fire, Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan currently faces allegations of money laundering in Nigeria, according to officials regarding regulations. Meanwhile, another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who accompanied Gambaryan, evaded custody and currently faces extradition proceedings from Kenya.
The CBN previously restricted access to websites facilitating crypto trading, allowing users the unofficial exchange rates for the Nigerian Naira. This move highlights their concerns regarding unregulated channels potentially influencing the currency’s valuation.
For the Nigerian crypto community, clear regulations are essential for a secure digital asset landscape. Establishing guidelines promotes legitimacy. Furthermore, implementing measures to protect users’ interests is vital to ensure a fair and balanced approach towards cryptocurrency adoption in Nigeria.
