The Nigerian government is demanding $10 billion from Binance, claiming that the cryptocurrency exchange’s activities have adversely affected the Naira and the country’s economy.
Nigeria’s government is seeking a staggering $10 billion in compensation from the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, over accusations that his activities have significantly destabilized the country’s economy, according to the BBC.
The claim centers around allegations that Binance is a key player in the manipulation of exchange rates, contributing to an almost 70% devaluation of the Naira in recent months. Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, highlighted the detrimental impact of Binance’s operations on Nigeria’s attempts to stabilize its economy.
According to Onanuga, “The platform fixes the exchange rate in the country at an illegal rate. The CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) is the only authority that can set the exchange rates in the country.”
In addition, security agencies have detained two foreign Binance executives as part of an ongoing investigation into the platform’s alleged involvement in money laundering and terrorist financing.
Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso revealed that approximately $26 billion was transacted through Binance Nigeria in cryptocurrency transactions, many of which originated from “sources and users that we cannot adequately identify,” highlighting the regulatory challenges posed by cryptocurrencies.
Nigerian authorities say that, contrary to the country’s laws, Binance and other cryptocurrency companies have been operating without proper registration. Even after the CBN lifted the cryptocurrency ban in 2023, compliance with the registration requirements under the Security Exchange Commission (SEC) remains a contentious issue.
Binance has since removed Naira transactions from its platforms as part of its cooperation with the government. Onanuga noted that the government’s demands are not excessive given the rapid and severe economic turmoil attributed to Binance’s activities.
While the investigation continues, details on how long it will take and the nature of the discussions between the Nigerian government and Binance remain undisclosed. The situation has sparked broader discussions about the regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges and the impact of decentralized financial platforms on national economies.
This case has far-reaching implications for the crypto industry, particularly in terms of regulatory compliance and the relationship between digital currency platforms and government monetary policies. It also raises critical questions about the balance between innovation in the financial sector and the need for governments to protect their economies.
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