Nigeria’s Crypto Ecosystem Rattled by Arrest of Binance Executives
Significant Development
In a significant development, Nigerian authorities have detained two executives of Binance, a leading cryptocurrency trading platform. The authorities assert that Binance’s operations contributed to the recent depreciation of the naira currency to record lows.
Telecom Restrictions
The arrest, initially disclosed by the Financial Times, comes on the heels of a recent move where telecom providers in Nigeria blocked user access to websites of major crypto exchanges including Binance and Coinbase. As a consequence, crypto platforms have been reducing their services in Nigeria. Binance, for instance, ceased offering peer-to-peer trades allowing users to convert naira to USDT, a digital currency pegged to the U.S. dollar.
Central Bank’s Allegations
During a briefing on Tuesday following Nigeria’s interest rate hike to 22.75%, central bank governor Yemi Cardoso singled out Binance, alleging suspected manipulations of the naira on crypto platforms. Cardoso highlighted that an estimated $26 billion had flowed through Binance Nigeria over the past year from sources that couldn’t be adequately identified. He further claimed that some trading activities involved illicit flows, and Nigerian law enforcement agencies were collaborating to prevent market manipulation.
Detention of Executives
The timing of the executives’ detention remains unclear. According to a report by Nigerian publication Premium Times, the executives, one American and one British citizen, arrived in the country on Sunday and declined to provide user transaction data during a meeting with security investigators on Monday. Binance has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Policy Shifts
In December, the central bank signaled an openness to incorporate crypto platforms into the financial system by canceling a three-year-old directive prohibiting banks from facilitating crypto trades. However, Cardoso, who assumed office in September, reverted to the stance of his predecessor Godwin Emefiele, asserting that crypto trading undermines currency stability.
Economic Challenges
Nigeria currently grapples with soaring inflation nearing 30% and public discontent over rising costs of essentials. The central bank has implemented various measures to stabilize exchange rates and prices. However, government officials blame platforms like Binance for exacerbating demand for the dollar through naira to USDT trades, undermining policy efforts.
Cryptocurrency Transactions
Despite regulatory pressures, crypto transactions in Nigeria totaled $57 billion in the 12 months leading up to June 2024, according to Chainalysis. Cryptocurrencies serve as a hedge against inflation and facilitate cross-border transactions for personal and business purposes.
Impact of Regulatory Crackdown
The recent regulatory crackdown may temper these trends as crypto exchanges retreat. Nevertheless, determined users may seek alternative means such as VPN apps to continue trading. The crackdown risks driving away foreign investors, with Nigeria already witnessing the departure of several multinational companies citing economic challenges.
Expert Opinions
ChetaNwanze of SBM Intelligence in Lagos views the arrest-based crackdown as counterproductive. Addressing the root causes of currency depreciation would be more beneficial, suggests John Ashbourne, an economist at Fitch Solutions in London. He emphasizes that Nigerians’ dwindling confidence in the naira is a primary driver for the currency’s depreciation.