NGX Chairman Calls for Balanced Regulation to Promote Digital Assets in Nigeria

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has highlighted the importance of balanced regulation and stakeholder collaboration to support the growth of digital asset trading and investment in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 2026 Investment Advisors and Portfolio Managers Conference in Lagos, NGX Chairman, Umaru Kwairanga, highlighted the need to create a stable and forward-looking regulatory environment for emerging financial technologies.

The conference, themed “Promoting a Durable Operating Environment for Digital Asset Trading and Investment – ​​Regulators/Dealers Perspective”, brought together key players in Nigeria’s financial services sector.

Kwairanga noted that digital assets are increasingly transforming global financial systems, opening up new opportunities for capital formation, portfolio diversification and financial inclusion.

He, however, stressed that sustaining this growth requires a careful balance between innovation and effective regulation.

According to him, regulators must provide clear guidelines and guarantees, while market operators are required to develop solid infrastructure and maintain high ethical standards.

He added that investors and industry participants also have a role to play in promoting transparency and professionalism within the ecosystem.

The NGX Chairman has pointed to the NGX Invest Group’s digital platform as an important step towards modernizing Nigeria’s capital market.

He explained that the platform has streamlined primary market processes by replacing manual systems with a fully digital experience, making it easier for investors to participate in capital raising activities.

Kwairanga said initiatives like NGX Invest are helping to improve efficiency, expand access to investment opportunities and align Nigeria’s market with global best practices.

He reiterated NGX Group’s commitment to working closely with regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure that emerging asset classes are responsibly integrated into the financial system.

The President urged conference participants to engage in constructive discussions that will shape the future of Nigeria’s financial markets.

He noted that decisions made through such collaborations would have long-term impacts on both the economy and the capital market.

Kwairanga also commended the Association of Investment Advisors and Portfolio Managers for organizing the conference and providing a platform for dialogue on critical industry issues.

He described investment advisors and portfolio managers as key drivers of market integrity, responsible for guiding investors and ensuring the efficient allocation of capital.