Wire · regulatory
Tinubu signs executive order as Nigeria opens up to cryptocurrency
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Fusion42 · 24 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
Nigeria's President Tinubu signed an executive order establishing a Virtual Asset Council and regulatory sandbox for cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, marking a shift from the central bank's 2021 ban on crypto transactions. The framework aims to harmonise regulation across financial agencies whilst protecting citizens and enabling responsible innovation in a market where 40% of Nigerians already use crypto for international transfers.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Fintech, and 7 sources have reported it between 18 Jul 2026 and 24 Jul 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
If you're building stablecoin or crypto infrastructure for Africa, Nigeria just moved from hostile to regulated — and 40% of the population is already using crypto, mostly to escape naira collapse. The sandbox and harmonised framework mean you now have a path to a banking partner and a regulator's blessing in the continent's biggest fintech market.
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7 sources · first reported 18 Jul 2026 · latest 24 Jul 2026
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