E-Financial
Nigerian Digital Currency Sector Holds Immense Potential for Positive Transformation – Seun Dania, Tradefada CEO
Seun Dania, Founder/CEO of Tradefada, Nigeria’s most actionable and easy-to-use digital currency trading platform. Also, he is a founding member of Digital Currency Coalition (DCC). In an Interview with Ugo Onwuaso, Seun Dania shared his thoughts on Digital Currency, cNGN Stablecoin, others in 2024. Excerpts.
Seun Dania, Founder/CEO of Tradefada,
The digital currency space was occasioned with several policy summersault, especially from the CBN. What is your rating of the sector in 2023? What are the challenges that bewildered the growth of the industry?
The cryptocurrency sector in 2023 faced significant challenges due to policy shifts, particularly since there was a change in governments. I’d rate it as a period of both consolidation and introspection. Key challenges included regulatory uncertainties and market volatility, which dampened growth prospects. However, 2023 wasn’t without its silver linings. Towards the year’s end, a new CBN administration emerged, ushering in a wave of clarity. Directives were issued to financial institutions, coupled with outlines for comprehensive regulatory frameworks. This shift towards structure and collaboration signaled a commitment to nurturing a responsible and thriving digital currency ecosystem, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.
Many Nigerians do not have confidence in the digital currency sector. What do you think is responsible for these fears? Is it lack of awareness or just fear of losing money?
While regulatory ambiguity eased in 2024, lack of awareness and fear of financial loss remain roadblocks to widespread digital currency adoption in Nigeria. Public education initiatives that demystify the complexities of this nascent field are crucial to building trust and encouraging participation. The onus lies on both the government and industry players to spearhead these efforts. All of which we can already see through the initiatives for education in blockchain technology and AI of the current Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Dr. Bosun Tijani. So, it’s safe to say all these concerns will be alleyed in the coming year. Investing in financial literacy programs, partnering with educational institutions, and launching targeted awareness campaigns are vital steps towards bridging the trust gap. By equipping the public with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital currency landscape responsibly, we can foster a more informed and engaged participant base.
Year 2024 is here, what are those things you believe government and players in the sector did not do and must be done going forward to boost the industry?
As we step into 2024, the Nigerian digital currency sector stands at a critical juncture. To unlock its true potential, a collaborative approach is paramount. This requires the government, industry leaders, and consumer protection advocates to work in tandem to establish clear, consistent, and mutually beneficial regulations. A robust legal framework that fosters innovation while prioritizing consumer safety is essential. Open dialogue and knowledge sharing between stakeholders will pave the way for a responsible and sustainable digital currency ecosystem, one that harnesses the transformative potential of this technology for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Beyond overcoming challenges, the Nigerian digital currency sector holds immense potential for positive transformation. Blockchain technology, the foundation of digital currencies, offers a plethora of potential applications in various sectors beyond finance. From supply chain management and healthcare record-keeping to land titling and identity verification, the possibilities are vast. In 2024 and beyond, fostering research and development in these areas will be crucial. By supporting innovative startups and encouraging collaboration between established institutions and blockchain developers, we can unlock the transformative potential of digital assets across different sectors of the Nigerian economy.
As a major player in the digital currency space, what will be your outlook of the industry in 2024 going by the issues that happened in 2023?
The events of 2023 fuel a cautious optimism for 2024. With regulatory clarity on the horizon, we can anticipate increased involvement from institutional players like banks and financial institutions, drawn by the promise of secure and efficient digital transactions. This influx of expertise and resources will likely enhance market stability and drive adoption rates. Furthermore, initiatives like the cNGN Naira stablecoin by the African Stablecoin Consortium add to the positive outlook. By bridging the gap between traditional and digital finance, such innovations hold the potential to revolutionize both the digital and real economy, fostering financial inclusion and economic growth across Nigeria. It is indeed a clear motivation, and I must commend the current administration and leadership of the CBN for its change in approach which projects inclusivity and will indeed translate to FDI into Nigeria and will in turn usher in financial abundance.
The CBN recently issued guidelines on operations of bank account for Virtual Assets Service Providers. What do you think about this? In what ways will these guidelines help the industry?
The CBN’s recent guidelines on operations of bank accounts for Virtual Assets Service Providers (VASPs) mark a significant step towards formalizing the digital currency sector. These guidelines will bring much-needed transparency to operations, boost investor confidence, and create a safer trading environment. The CBN’s recent actions demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with industry stakeholders, a promising development for the sector’s future.
There is a Digital Currency Coalition formed to promote digital currency in Nigeria, and also to support government in that regards. You are one of the founding members of the Coalition. Is that Coalition still active? Has it been able to come up with any policy document that the government can work with?
The Digital Currency Coalition remains a driving force in promoting responsible digital currency adoption in Nigeria. We actively engage with policymakers, developing comprehensive policy recommendations that address regulatory frameworks, innovative applications, and robust consumer protection measures. Our continued dialogue with the government underscores our commitment to working alongside stakeholders to build a thriving and responsible digital currency ecosystem that benefits all Nigerians.
You are the CEO/Founder of Tradefada, one of the leading digital currency trading platforms. How is Tradefada fairing even in the face of the various challenges in the industry?
Amidst the industry’s challenges, Tradefada remains a beacon of hope to local players, while we ensure high-end security and safety of users assets. We prioritize stringent security measures, diverse trading options, and comprehensive educational resources to empower our users. Our platform emphasizes responsible participation through risk management tools and educational materials, fostering a safe and informed trading environment.
Without mentioning names, we have cases of digital currency trading platforms not been able to pay investors. What are the issues and how can they be addressed?
The unfortunate instances of some platforms failing to meet their obligations highlight the need for stricter operational standards and enhanced accountability. Adherence to robust KYC/AML regulations, improved transparency, and effective risk management practices are crucial for preventing such occurrences in the future. Furthermore, promoting user education about platform risks and responsible investment practices is essential. By fostering a culture of informed participation, we can collectively build a stronger and more resilient digital currency ecosystem. While the users / investors may have been greatly affected, I strongly believe that the industry is getting mature enough to ensure that all incidents are properly investigated, perpetrators brought to book and all users made whole.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) has announced strategic expansion into more African countries even as it plans to open a new office in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in its mission to connect Africa with key global markets.
Oliver Alawuba, GMD/CEO, UBA group,
This emerged during the Group’s Half Year Business Review held at its global headquarters in Lagos, where Oliver Alawuba, group managing director/CEO, UBA group, met with senior executives overseeing UBA’s 24-country footprint.
The meeting reaffirmed the bank’s pan-African strategy while outlining bold new steps into global markets.
Alawuba highlighted UBA’s continued growth outside Nigeria, with more than 51.7% of Group revenues now generated from its ex-Nigerian operations.
He described the Saudi expansion as a move that positions UBA to support cross-border trade, attract investment flows, and better serve the African diaspora.
“UBA’s vision is clear—we are building a truly global institution anchored in Africa, but serving customers across continents. Our entry into Saudi Arabia signals confidence in new opportunities and commitment to supporting economic connectivity between Africa and the Middle East,” he said.
The Saudi expansion adds to UBA’s international presence, which currently includes the United Kingdom, United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. Alawuba also disclosed that the bank is upgrading its operating licence in France to further strengthen its European operations.
“In Europe, UBA has operations in the United Kingdom and is upgrading its licence in France, expanding its capacity to serve cross-border trade, investment flows, and the African diaspora, complementing our over 40-year presence in New York,” Alawuba noted.
Since launching its pan-African journey with an entry into Ghana in 2004, UBA has expanded rapidly across 20 African countries, establishing itself as a leading driver of financial inclusion, innovation, and regional integration.
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated announced its plan to raise up to $250m in Additional Tier 1 capital through a private placement of contingent convertible notes.
In a statement filed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited recently, the capital raise was approved by shareholders at the company’s Extraordinary General Meeting held in Lomé, Togo. The private placement offer was launched on July 9 and will run for ten days.
“Following the approval of the shareholders at its Extraordinary General Meeting held on May 28, 2025, in Lomé, Togo, to raise up to $250m in additional Tier 1 capital qualifying instruments via a private placement of contingent convertible notes, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated announces the launch of the AT1 effective July 9, 2025, for ten days. Renaissance Capital Africa has been appointed as the transaction adviser to ETI.”
The move is an initiative aimed at strengthening Ecobank’s capital adequacy, enhancing financial resilience, and supporting its long-term growth ambitions across its diversified pan-African banking platform.
Additionally, Madibinet Cisse, Ecobank’s Company Secretary, said, “This proposed capital raise represents a critical step in our efforts to fortify the bank’s financial foundation and support sustainable growth across Africa.”
It would be recalled that Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, the parent company of the Ecobank Group, has raised an additional $125m through a Eurobond tap, bringing the total size of its 2029 notes to $525m.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has announced that the body has recovered lost funds from the CBEX fraud scheme.
Olukoyede did not announce the amount recovered, but he assured Nigerians that the EFCC is taking action against the promoters of the scheme.
The EFCC Chairman emphasised that the suspects found are facing prosecution.
“We have found a lot of people culpable. Those who promoted that scheme are within our jurisdiction and have been arrested. So, at this moment, they are being prosecuted. And we can also say that money has been recovered, even though the process is still ongoing for us to finally forfeit it,” he said.
Olukoyede also urged Nigerians to exercise caution when investing their resources into online platforms.
“Ponzi schemes remain one of the most pervasive threats facing unsuspecting investors. The CBEX case is a clear example. We all remember the outcry that followed the collapse of the scheme, but these unfortunate situations are preventable. Nigerians must begin to conduct due diligence before committing their resources to such platforms,” Olukoyede said.
He also stressed that the body remains committed to fishing out the culprits and recovering the lost funds.
“It was only when the bubble burst that people wanted EFCC to perform magic and recover their money. In the case we investigated in Lagos, which we dubbed Operation Flush, we arrested a large number of foreigners involved in various cybercrimes, including CBEX. I want Nigerians to know that as of today, we have secured close to 150 convictions. Some of them are already serving their jail terms. And when they are through with that, we are going to send them back to where they came from. So we are monitoring them,” he added.
He urged the public to stay vigilant, assuring them that the body will see the case to the end.
“We are no longer the EFCC that drops cases halfway. Whatever we start, we will finish. Nigerians should trust us and believe in our capacity to do justice. Some of these cases are complex and may require cross-border investigations, but we are up to the task,” he said.
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