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A body representing cryptocurrency and blockchain stakeholders in Nigeria has joined other crypto industry players in assailing the recent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive to banks. The CBN order, which seeks snuff out crypto entities from the banking system, took effect on February 5, 2020. <\/strong><\/p>\n In a statement<\/a>, the body, known as the Blockchain Industry Coordinating Committee of Nigeria (BICCON), also dismisses the CBN\u2019s assertion that the new directive is just a \u201cmere reiteration\u201d of what it said in January 2017. The latest directive effectively banned financial institutions from providing services to persons and\/or entities transacting in cryptocurrency.<\/p>\n Further, the BICCON castigates the CBN for failing to give \u201cany adequate notice or court order of any court of competent jurisdiction.\u201d Also highlighting the hastiness as well as the chaotic implementation of the order, the BICCON reveals how some crypto companies have been affected by this decision. The BICCON explains:<\/p>\n Since 5 February 2021, a number of persons and entities accounts have been closed. In one strange and exceptional case, the funds in the two corporate accounts of a cryptocurrency exchange were wiped out and then eventually closed.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Still, the representative body notes that the ban might face legal challenges since \u201cthere is currently no legislation by the National Assembly criminalizing or illegalizing trade in cryptocurrency in Nigeria.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, prior to the release of the media statement by the BICCON, some members of the Nigerian Senate had expressed opposition to the CBN directive. According to reports, the Nigerian Senate wants the CBN to explain<\/a> this decision, and the governor, Godwin Emefiele is set to appear before the legislative body.<\/p>\n However, at least one Senator, Sani Musa has come out in support<\/a> of the CBN directive. In a speech, Musa claims cryptocurrencies, especially BTC<\/a>, have made the Nigerian currency \u201calmost useless.\u201d Another regulator, the Nigerian Security and Exchange Commission also says it endorses<\/a> the CBN directive. Reports quote the regulator saying:<\/p>\n For the purpose of admittance into the SEC regulatory incubation framework, the assessment of all persons and products affected by the CBN circular of Feb. 5, 2021 is hereby put on hold until such persons are able to operate bank accounts within the Nigerian banking system.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The SEC, which previously announced plans to regulate<\/a> cryptocurrencies, is justifying the apparent about-face claiming there is further need to \u201canalyse and better understand the risks.\u201d The regulator, however, denies that there are \u201ccontradictions and inconsistencies\u201d between what the SEC said in September 2020 and its current stance with respect to the CBN directive.<\/p>\n <\/ins> <\/ins> <\/p>\n In the meantime, the BICCON statement also responds to some of the false assertions about cryptocurrencies that are propagated by the CBN in its follow-up statement<\/a>. Next, the body also lays out what Nigeria, which is already the largest<\/a> cryptocurrency market on the African continent, stands to lose if the ban is not \u201creviewed or reversed.\u201d<\/p>\n According to BICCON, Nigeria stands to miss out on \u201cboosting remittances into the country.\u201d Remittances sent via crypto rails have proven to be popular<\/a> with a growing section of Nigeria\u2019s expatriate community. Moreover, the representative body says if this directive is not reviewed, the country will see the \u201cdeath of centralized cryptocurrency exchanges in Nigeria, particularly indigenous cryptocurrency exchanges who should be getting regulatory support to become globally competitive.\u201d<\/p>\nNot Just a Mere Reiteration<\/h2>\n
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Senators Oppose CBN Directive<\/h2>\n
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Countering False Assertions<\/h2>\n