Tinubu Signs Executive Order on Virtual Assets Regulation in Nigeria

Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed an executive order to boost virtual assets regulation in the country. The Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026 was signed on July 17, 2026, and aims to establish a coordinated national framework for regulating virtual assets.

The order seeks to harmonize virtual assets regulation across relevant agencies and eliminate overlapping oversight. It also aims to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, cybercrime, and fraud, while protecting Nigerians from unregistered operators.

Key policy objectives of the executive order include improving tax administration and revenue collection, providing greater certainty for legitimate market participants, and promoting responsible innovation in the virtual assets sector.