President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, introducing a unified regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets. The order establishes a coordinated system involving key financial and security agencies to combat fraud, close regulatory gaps and encourage responsible innovation in Nigeria’s growing digital asset ecosystem.
Nigeria has taken another major step toward regulating its fast-growing digital economy following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a new executive order governing virtual assets.
The Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, which takes immediate effect, is designed to harmonise the regulation of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets while improving cooperation among agencies responsible for financial oversight, taxation and national security.
According to the Presidency, the order responds to increasing overlap in the responsibilities of regulators as virtual assets continue to blur the boundaries between currencies, commodities, securities and payment systems.
Officials said fragmented regulation has exposed Nigeria to risks including fraud, money laundering, terrorism financing, cybersecurity threats and revenue leakages, making coordinated oversight necessary.
The Executive Order creates a coordinated governance structure bringing together key government institutions responsible for supervising the virtual asset industry.
Under the framework, agencies including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and other relevant institutions will work under a harmonised system instead of operating independently.
A dedicated Virtual Asset Office, with its secretariat domiciled at the CBN, will coordinate implementation of the framework.
The Presidency said the new framework is intended to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting Nigerians from fraudulent operators.
Officials noted that regulatory gaps have allowed unregistered platforms and bad actors to exploit unsuspecting investors, resulting in significant financial losses for many Nigerians.
The government believes stronger coordination will improve investor confidence while creating a safer environment for legitimate blockchain and digital finance businesses.
The Executive Order comes weeks after the Senate advanced legislation seeking a comprehensive legal framework for virtual asset service providers.
Analysts say the combination of executive action and proposed legislation could significantly reshape Nigeria’s cryptocurrency industry by providing clearer rules for operators while strengthening regulatory enforcement.
With cryptocurrency adoption among the highest in Africa, Nigeria’s latest executive order represents one of the country’s most significant regulatory interventions in the digital finance sector. The government says the new framework will improve coordination, reduce financial crimes and position Nigeria for responsible growth in the evolving virtual asset economy.