A stakeholder in the blockchain and fintech ecosystem has called on the federal government of Nigeria to implement regulations that will foster the widespread integration of the approved blockchain policy in the country. Nigeria’s National Blockchain Policy aims to deliver economic growth, job creation and more financial inclusion.
Obinna Iwuno, the president of the Stakeholders in Blockchain Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) — an association of blockchain and digital assets industry players advocating for a friendlier digital asset landscape in Nigeria — recently highlighted this during an interview at the National Information Technology Development Agency and Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria Stakeholders’ Policy Dialogue held in Lagos. Iwuno stressed the necessity of establishing a forward-thinking regulatory framework to accelerate the infusion of blockchain technology into diverse sectors of the economy.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the National Blockchain Policy in May. Iwuno told Cointelegraph that Nigeria is fully equipped to implement blockchain technology:
“This is the first time we have a full house of industry stakeholders, regulators and operators. We are ready for full adoption now, and the blockchain policy initiated by the government positions Nigeria as a trailblazer in the continent’s digital economy landscape if fully implemented.”
According to the National Blockchain Policy, the potential of blockchain technology is far-reaching. The blockchain policy document states that the technology holds the potential to drive economic growth, foster job creation and tackle the long-standing issue of financial inclusion.
According to Iwuno, with technological advancements driving leading countries today, the call to position Nigeria as a formidable contender on the global stage resonates strongly. The journey toward integrating blockchain technology into Nigeria’s mainstream is not merely a governmental initiative but a collaborative one driven by the collective determination of stakeholders to position Nigeria as a leader on the global stage, he added.
Iwuno also highlighted the collaborative drive between industry stakeholders and the government to transform Nigeria into a global blockchain hub.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Timesthe properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”