The transformative power of digital assets and blockchain technology is now firmly at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic strategy, thanks to the recent passage of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025. Signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025, the legislation grants the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the authority to regulate digital assets, virtual asset service providers (VASPs), and tokenized securities. This move not only brings clarity to the once ambiguous legal landscape of digital assets but also positions Nigeria as a major player in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
At the Digital Asset Markets Strategy Masterclass Series held in Lagos, experts and policymakers gathered to discuss the potential of Nigeria’s newfound regulatory clarity and its ability to shape the nation’s future. The masterclass highlighted how the ISA 2025 enables Nigeria to tap into the digital economy, driving both economic diversification and wealth creation. It also marks a significant step forward for Africa’s most populous nation as it embraces the fourth industrial revolution.
Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), highlighted the importance of leveraging advanced Chinese technology in the digital asset market to further bolster Nigeria’s economic standing. “We are committed to supporting the globalization of Nigeria’s capital market,” Tegbe said. He emphasized the growing importance of the digital Renminbi (RMB) and how Nigeria stands to benefit from it. “Through the digital RMB, Nigeria will gain greater financial independence and expand its economic influence.”
Tegbe also revealed that Nigeria had received over $30 billion in investment commitments and 300 expressions of interest from Chinese companies in the past five months alone. He added that Nigeria is set to sign an agreement with China for direct Naira-to-Yuan conversion, marking a milestone in reducing the country’s dependence on the US Dollar. This, he explained, reflects a shift from a trade relationship to a more robust, mutually beneficial development partnership between the two countries.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the state’s Commissioner of Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, also outlined how Lagos is capitalizing on digital transformation to drive economic growth.
Oluyomi revealed that the state is preparing to monetize idle assets through the issuance of a green bond, positioning Lagos as the first sub-national in Nigeria to do so. The state is also developing a securitisation policy to convert these assets into liquid funds, helping finance its infrastructure needs and solidifying Lagos as a key player in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Dr. Nicholas Okoye, convener of the Masterclass and a globally renowned investment advisor, shared his insights on the broader impact of digital transformation on Nigeria’s economy. “The fourth industrial revolution is reshaping economies, and digital asset markets are at its core,” Okoye explained. “The full adoption of digital asset markets in Nigeria’s capital markets will be a game changer for wealth creation and economic growth. It will completely redefine the future of African finance and investment.”
Okoye emphasized that digital assets represent a unique opportunity for Africans to create wealth on an unprecedented scale. “This is the first time in history that digital asset markets will offer a true reflection of Africa’s wealth and economic potential,” he said. “It will empower individuals, institutions, and nations alike to unlock new sources of wealth and prosperity.”
The discussions at the masterclass illuminated the enormous economic potential of digital transformation. Nigeria, with its new regulatory framework, is primed to take full advantage of digital assets, which will not only propel the nation into a leading role within the global economy but also create pathways to financial inclusion, wealth creation, and sustainable economic growth. As digital transformation continues to reshape the economic landscape, Nigeria’s embrace of digital assets signifies a brighter, more prosperous future for its people and the entire African continent.