Emomotimi Agama, the Director-General of the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), recently revealed that Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had endorsed the cryptocurrency industry long before former U.S. President Donald Trump did. Agama, speaking at the African Financial Industry Summit in Casablanca, Morocco, emphasized that President Tinubu’s support for cryptocurrency was evident in his appointment to head the SEC, which Agama believes signaled the president’s long-standing affinity with the sector.
Agama highlighted that the Nigerian administration has taken significant steps in embracing the cryptocurrency space, crediting President Tinubu for his forward-thinking approach. He stated, “Even before President Trump started thinking about it, our own dear president has already thought about it.” Agama also acknowledged his own enthusiasm for cryptocurrency, noting that his appointment as SEC DG further underscored the government’s commitment to the industry.
During his interview with Arise TV’s correspondent, Rotus Odiri, Agama also touched on broader topics such as African capital market integration and reforms. He expressed optimism about the future of cryptocurrency in Nigeria, mentioning that the SEC’s regulatory framework, including the Regulatory Incubation Program, aims to bring clarity and oversight to crypto exchanges operating in the country.
Under Agama’s leadership, the Nigerian SEC has taken steps to regulate the cryptocurrency space. Earlier this year, Quidax and Busha became the first crypto exchanges to be fully licensed by the Nigerian SEC, signaling the administration’s openness to regulating and promoting the sector.
Nigeria leads Africa in cryptocurrency adoption and ranks second globally, underscoring the country’s significant role in the digital currency ecosystem.
