Experts, investors, and government officials have thrown their weight behind the newly signed Investment and Securities Act 2025, calling it a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s digital economy. The new law, which was signed into law by the Federal Government in March 2025, is expected to boost the country’s financial sector by bringing clarity and regulation to digital assets, tokenised securities, and virtual asset service providers.
For years, Nigeria’s digital asset industry operated in a grey area with no solid legal backing. But with the new Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) now has the power to supervise and regulate digital finance activities across the country.
Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), welcomed the law and called on Nigeria to take full advantage of China’s advanced digital technologies. He made this call during a recent event focused on technology partnerships between the two countries. Tegbe said that digital finance, especially in areas like the digital RMB (Renminbi), presents major opportunities for Nigeria to grow its capital market.
He revealed that Nigeria has already secured over $30 billion in investment commitments and received more than 300 expressions of interest from Chinese firms interested in different sectors. This, according to him, shows growing confidence in Nigeria’s economy, especially now that clear regulations are being introduced.
Tegbe also announced that Nigeria is working on an agreement with China that would allow the naira to be directly exchanged with the Chinese yuan. This move, he said, will reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on the US dollar and make cross-border transactions smoother and more affordable.
Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, said the state is planning to take advantage of the law to unlock new funding channels. Lagos, according to him, is getting ready to issue a green bond and become the first state in Nigeria to monetise idle government assets.
Oluyomi explained that the state government is developing a securitisation policy, which will allow it to convert unused or underutilised assets into cash. This money will then be used to finance infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and public transportation. “We believe this will position Lagos as a financial leader among sub-national governments in Africa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Okoye, who convened a masterclass on digital assets and financial transformation, said the Act is a major step towards Nigeria’s full entry into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He explained that digital transformation—especially through assets like tokenised securities—will unlock massive opportunities for wealth creation across all sectors.
Okoye added that, for the first time, digital asset markets will help Africa showcase its real wealth and economic strength. He believes this will allow Nigerians, no matter their profession or location, to benefit from a new financial system that is inclusive and transparent.
The passage of the new Investment and Securities Act has been praised by capital market stakeholders, who believe it will improve trust, attract more foreign investment, and increase the integrity of Nigeria’s financial markets. It also puts Nigeria in a stronger position to lead financial innovation on the continent.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has already started taking steps to implement the law and provide guidelines for operators in the digital space. Many observers say this is the beginning of a new era for Nigeria’s economy—one where technology and finance come together to build a more resilient and inclusive system.
As digital assets become more mainstream across the world, Nigeria’s move to regulate and embrace the sector is being seen as a bold and forward-thinking strategy. With the right partnerships, especially with countries like China, and smart government policies, experts say Nigeria is well on its way to becoming a digital finance hub in Africa.
