Nigeria Signals Greenlight for Stablecoin Innovation Under New Regulatory Vision

Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward embracing stablecoin adoption, as the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) outlined its readiness to support digital currency innovation—under clear regulatory conditions.

The announcement came during the Nigeria Stablecoin Summit held in Lagos, organized by the Africa Stablecoin Network.

Speaking on behalf of the SEC, Director-General Emomotimi Agama delivered a keynote address titled “Building a Regulatory Framework for Stablecoin Innovation: The Nigerian Perspective.” In his remarks, Agama affirmed that Nigeria is open to stablecoin business, but only within a framework that protects markets and empowers its citizens.

He emphasized that stablecoins are becoming increasingly important in Nigeria’s digital economy, especially as local businesses and freelancers use dollar-pegged digital assets to navigate ongoing naira volatility. According to Agama, this shift is helping drive exponential growth in stablecoin usage across the country.

Agama also highlighted the importance of regulatory frameworks tailored specifically to African realities. While acknowledging international standards, he stressed the need for localized solutions that reflect Nigeria’s market structure and demographic profile.

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Central to Nigeria’s evolving regulatory approach is the recently signed Investment and Securities Act (ISA 2025). The act includes specific provisions for the oversight of stablecoins and other digital assets, giving the SEC a stronger legal foundation to manage innovation responsibly.

Agama further revealed that the SEC has already onboarded several startups focused on stablecoin use cases into its regulatory sandbox. This initiative, he noted, balances innovation with risk management and compliance.

Looking ahead, Agama envisioned Nigeria as a future hub for stablecoin-driven commerce across Africa. He expressed hope that Nigerian-developed stablecoins could one day power cross-border trade throughout the continent.

Africa Stablecoin Network President Nathaniel Luz praised the move as a crucial step toward a secure and vibrant digital asset economy in Africa.

Kosta Gushterov

Kosta has been working in the crypto industry for over 4 years. He strives to present different perspectives on a given topic and enjoys the sector for its transparency and dynamism. In his work, he focuses on balanced coverage of events and developments in the crypto space, providing information to his readers from a neutral perspective.