Stakeholders Explore How Nigeria Can Leverage Digital Assets for National Development, Wealth Creation and Inclusive Market Growth

With the recognition of Digital Assets as Securities under the 2025 Investment and Securities Act (ISA)11, Nigeria has been described as one of the leading countries that could drive the adoption and unlock value for national development. 

This was part of the key takeaways from the 2026 Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers’ conference held in Lagos and organized by the Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers (IAPM), which discussed the theme Fostering Enduring Operating Environment for Digital Assets Trading and Investments- Regulators/Operators’ Perspectives.

Dr. Nicky Okoye, Founder and President, Global Investment Advisory Community, in his presentation as guest speaker highlighted the report from the GIAC that 25.9m young Nigerians are investing in Digital Assets. He noted that with the revelation from the Securities and Exchange Commission, that cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria for 2025, reached 50%. This was a unique opportunity for Nigeria and Africa to tap into the value of digital assets.

He said, “Once Africa tokenizes digital assets, it will revolutionize the regional economy and provides rails for funding critical projects that accelerate economic growth and stability.”

Okoye acknowledged that the digital asset market is already in existence but needs to be mainstreamed for financial inclusion, capital market development and increased economic activities.

According to him, the adoption of digital assets will translate to wealth creation, job creation, national development, investor protection, investment aggregation and personal wealth maps. He also listed Central Bank Digital Currency, Crypto Meme Coins, Non-Fungible Tokens, Real World Asset Tokens, Security Tokens and Utility Tokens.

He also noted that 2026 will see real world asset projects covering infrastructure and other critical sectors advanced by the Global Investment Advisory Community, tapping into key exchanges in the market.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, in his remarks tasked the IAPM on deepening the conversation on investment and portfolio management in the country’s financial market.

Speaking further, he said, “The  discussions on how regulators and operators can ensure a safe and viable environment for the trading of these digital assets which our young ones are very enthusiastic about should be thorough and encapsulated in a communique that should be shared with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Nigerian Exchange Group and other regulators and operators in order to ensure prompt implementation.”

Delivering the speech of the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama , the Deputy Director-Lagos Zonal Office, Mr. John Briggs, stated that the apex regulator of the capital market viewed digital assets as pivots for capital market development.

He said, “The SEC approach has been deliberate and balanced, while supporting innovation on one hand and ensuring that market integrity, investor protection and systemic stability are not compromised. Fostering an enduring environment for digital asset trading requires a shared commitment between market regulators and operators. From the regulator’s perspective, our responsibility is to establish clear rules, adopt risk-based supervision and remain adaptive to technological advancement. Regulations should not stifle innovation but create guardrails that enables responsible growth.”

Mr. Briggs informed stakeholders that SEC is reviewing the rules for digital asset exchanges, virtual asset providers and digital asset custodian, to ensure alignment with global best practices, while aligning with local market realities. “The Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme, ARIP, are also ongoing as we continue to monitor participants to ensure a strict compliance with regulatory requirements, effective risk managements and alignment with the Commission’s standard of market integrity & responsible innovation.”

Mr. Yusufu Modibbo, President and Chairman of Council, IAPM, in his remarks said the choice of the theme was instructive considering the disruptive impact of digital assets and the need to align regulations in a way that positions investment advisers and portfolio managers to derive value from digital assets trading and investments.

He reassured stakeholders that the IAPM remained committed to advancing capacity building for the development of a robust and sustainable market.

It featured a panel session moderated by Mr. Teslim SHITTA-BEY,Director of Research, Proshare, while new Fellows and Associates were inducted into the IAPM