Group Urges US President Joe Biden to Secure Release of ‘Kidnapped’ Former Federal Agent

The Chamber of Digital Commerce, a blockchain and crypto advocacy group, has urged U.S. President Joe Biden to assist in securing the release of a Binance executive “kidnapped” by the Nigerian government. The group warned that the Nigerian government’s arbitrary detention of Tigran Gambaryan might establish a dangerous precedent. Questioning the Arbitrary Detention of Binance … Read more

Binance Says Nigeria Is Not Yet One of Its Top Markets

Nigeria is not yet among Binance’s top markets despite being a leading global crypto market. However, the crypto exchange said it recognizes the West African country’s “extraordinary potential,” which is one reason why it is eager to invest there. ‘Extraordinary Potential’ The cryptocurrency exchange Binance has clarified that Nigeria, despite being one of the world’s … Read more

Nigeria’s Binance Impasse: Senior Executives Detained at Government ‘Guesthouse’ for 14 Days

Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent, is one of two Binance executives being held without charge by Nigerian authorities. A local court approved the executives’ 14-day detention. Recent media reports suggest that Nigerian officials have requested Binance to disclose the identities and transaction histories of its top 100 users. Detained Executives’ Families Demand Their … Read more

Economic Intelligence Unit: Nigerian Central Bank Lacks Capacity to Defend Local Currency

The Economic Intelligence Unit has stated that the Central Bank of Nigeria cannot halt the rapid depreciation of the local currency. The continued volatility of the naira is expected to result in erratic regulation, primarily affecting businesses that hold foreign exchange. Nigeria Presses Ahead With Reforms The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has stated that the … Read more

Nigerian Central Bank, Real-World Asset Firm Partner to Revive Struggling CBDC

Gluwa, a platform for real-world assets, announced on March 7 its partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria. The partnership arrangement aims to improve the functionality of the Nigerian central bank’s digital currency and promote financial innovation through blockchain technology. Improving the CBDC’s Utility Gluwa, a real-world assets platform, has entered into a partnership arrangement … Read more

Egypt Devalues Currency, Raises Interest Rates to Fulfill Key IMF Aid Requirement

Authorities in Egypt recently allowed the local currency’s exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar to decrease by more than 60%. Additionally, the central bank raised interest rates by 600 basis points. Both steps were key conditions set by the IMF which Egypt had to meet before the approval of a new financial aid package. IMF … Read more

Embattled Binance Discontinues Nigerian Naira Services — Users Urged to Convert NGN Balances

Binance, one of the leading crypto exchanges, has said it will discontinue all Nigerian naira services on March 8. The crypto exchange’s decision to drop trading pairs that feature the naira follows weeks of attacks and an official crackdown on its Nigerian operations. Crypto experts like Oladotun Wilfred Akangbe believe dropping the naira will temporarily … Read more

Blockchain Advocacy Group Says Nigerian Government’s Actions Could Drive Crypto Activities Underground

Nigerian blockchain lobby group has said the government’s decision to block access to crypto trading like Binance, Kraken and Coinbase will not “help Nigeria build the much-needed trust and confidence in the financial system.” The advocacy group also said the Nigerian Communications Commission’s directive to telecommunication companies may not be consistent with the “norms of … Read more

Binance Nigeria Standoff: Crypto Exchange’s Top Executives Summoned by House of Representatives Committee

Top executives from Binance have been summoned to appear before the Nigerian House of Representatives Financial Crimes Committee no later than March 4. Ginger Onwusibe, the committee’s chairperson, has warned of possible repercussions should Binance executives fail to comply with the request. Latest Escalation in the Standoff Between Binance and Nigerian Authorities The Nigerian House … Read more

Binance Claims Ignorance of $10 Billion Fine Imposed by Nigerian Government

Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has denied allegations made by a Nigerian government official that it is facing a $10 billion fine. While Binance maintains its commitment to fostering a positive relationship with the Nigerian government, it firmly states that it will not succumb to pressure to pay for the release of its detained executives. … Read more