The chairman of NGX promotes a fair framework for the adoption of digital assets.

Strong regulation and risk management must be the cornerstones of capital market development, according to the Nigerian Exchange Group's (NGX Group) vision for incorporating digital assets into Nigeria's financial system.

In order to maintain long-term market stability, innovation must be combined with safeguards, according to Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of NGX Group, who stated that capital should not result in excessive risk-taking.

At the 2026 Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers' Conference in Lagos, he made this known and emphasized the importance of coordinating new technology with strong governance structures.

According to Kwairanga, a robust financial ecosystem will be shaped in large part by the appropriate deployment of digital assets.

He said, "We continue to actively engage with stakeholders to ensure that innovation, including emerging asset classes, is integrated responsibly within a well-regulated framework."

He pointed out that by opening up new avenues for capital development and financial inclusion, digital assets are revolutionizing established financial systems.

However, he cautioned that in order to avoid systemic hazards, the sector's expansion must be directed by explicit regulatory controls.

The future of Nigeria's capital market, he continued, rests on striking a careful balance between strong ethical standards among market participants and regulatory clarity.

The desire for more precise regulation of digital assets in Nigeria is developing at the time of the call.

Fintech companies hinted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) earlier this year to specify what cryptocurrency-related operations are acceptable for institutions with licenses.

One of the main obstacles to innovation, investment, and institutional involvement in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, according to stakeholders, is regulatory ambiguity.

Digital assets have significant potential to improve cross-border payments, expand financial inclusion, and open up new markets, according to the CBN Fintech Report.

Despite this possibility, acceptance and development are nevertheless slowed by regulatory ambiguity.

As part of its larger plan, Kwairanga emphasized NGX's efforts to update market infrastructure.

He mentioned NGX Invest as a significant innovation that has digitized primary market offers by substituting a smooth digital platform for paper-based procedures.

The platform has increased investor engagement throughout the market and enhanced accessibility.

He referred to portfolio managers and investment advisors as "custodians of capital," whose function is essential to preserving the integrity of the market.

He urged regulators, operators, and market players to work together more closely in order to maintain the financial system's resilience and inventiveness.

Nigerian regulators are already closely monitoring the country's digital asset market.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) set a N2 billion minimum capital threshold for cryptocurrency exchanges in January.

Affected companies have until June 30, 2027, to comply with the new regulations.

With this action, digital asset companies that were previously unregulated are now formally subject to regulatory oversight.

Nigeria intends to promote digital innovation while preserving the stability of its financial system, as seen by the changing regulatory environment.

Army raises alarm over low South-East recruitment

Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe has raised concern over low enlistment from the South-East, revealing Anambra recorded only 117 applications out of 38,000 nationwide.

Nnabuihe led an army delegation to sensitise youths in Awka, noting the figure was recorded on April 7, before a nationwide awareness campaign began.

He said the exercise aimed to encourage more youths from Anambra and the South East to join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.

We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7.

“This sensitisation is to correct that imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army,” he said.

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Nnabuihe urged eligible youths to apply, noting the Army offers a structured career path and opportunities for national service.

Lt Col. Ogbemudia Osawe said training infrastructure had expanded, with new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.

Osawe listed benefits, including career progression, regular pay, continuous military education, specialised training, and exposure to diverse cultures.

He added personnel enjoy welfare packages, free medical care for families, pensions, gratuities, and opportunities for international assignments.

Permanent Secretary, Anambra Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial for South-East youths.

Emodi said declining interest among youths stemmed from misconceptions and misinformation about the Army.

The traditional ruler, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi, praised the army’s welfare structure and urged youths to enlist for better regional representation.

(NAN)