Tinubu’s virtual assets order will protect investors, drive Fintech growth – APC’s Arodiogbu

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

National Vice Chairman (South-East), All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, describing the policy as a transformative initiative that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, improve investor confidence and position the country as a leading financial technology destination in Africa.

In a statement issued to journalists on Friday, Dr. Arodiogbu said the Executive Order represents another bold policy milestone under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it establishes a transparent, coordinated and secure regulatory framework for virtual assets and blockchain technology.

According to the APC chieftain, the President’s decision underscores his administration’s determination to embrace innovation while safeguarding the nation’s financial system from emerging threats such as fraud, cybercrime, money laundering and terrorism financing.

He noted that the establishment of a unified regulatory framework would encourage responsible innovation while providing greater certainty for businesses, investors and technology companies operating within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital asset ecosystem.

Dr. Arodiogbu particularly welcomed the creation of the Virtual Asset Council, which will be chaired by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serving as vice-chairpersons, alongside the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

He said the council would eliminate regulatory overlaps, improve inter-agency collaboration and create a more efficient oversight mechanism capable of responding to the evolving dynamics of the digital financial sector.

The APC South-East Vice Chairman also praised the establishment of the Virtual Asset Office, which will coordinate information sharing and regulatory activities among participating agencies through an integrated supervisory technology platform.

According to him, the initiative strikes an appropriate balance between innovation and regulation by preserving the statutory responsibilities of existing institutions while fostering collaboration that will close loopholes previously exploited by fraudulent operators.

Dr. Arodiogbu further commended the Federal Government for introducing a regulatory sandbox under the Central Bank of Nigeria, describing it as a major step towards encouraging responsible innovation in blockchain technology and digital finance.

He explained that the sandbox would enable fintech firms, blockchain developers and innovators to test new products and services under regulatory supervision before introducing them into the broader market, thereby enhancing consumer protection, promoting financial stability and reducing systemic risks.

He also welcomed plans by the Nigeria Revenue Service to develop a dedicated tax policy for virtual assets, saying the move would provide regulatory certainty for operators, encourage voluntary tax compliance and ensure that Nigeria’s growing digital economy contributes more significantly to government revenue.

The APC leader further described the planned development of a comprehensive Virtual Assets White Paper as a strategic initiative that would provide long-term policy direction for regulators, investors, financial institutions and technology firms.

According to him, the document is expected to establish a clear roadmap for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s virtual asset industry while reinforcing the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

Dr. Arodiogbu said President Tinubu had once again demonstrated visionary leadership by positioning Nigeria to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the global digital financial ecosystem while ensuring that innovation is supported by a secure, transparent and accountable regulatory environment.

He urged technology entrepreneurs, fintech companies, blockchain developers, investors and young Nigerians to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the new regulatory framework and to operate responsibly within the established guidelines.

Expressing optimism about the long-term impact of the Executive Order, he said the policy would enhance investor confidence, stimulate innovation, create employment opportunities, attract foreign direct investment and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a digitally driven economy.

Dr. Arodiogbu reaffirmed the support of the All Progressives Congress for President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, maintaining that the Executive Order reflects the administration’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s financial architecture, strengthening economic governance and building a globally competitive digital economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.