The Blockchain Industry Coordinating Committee of Nigeria (BICCoN) has advocated for a fair resolution in the ongoing legal disputes between the Nigerian gov’t and Binance exchange.
BICCoN, the organization representing the Nigerian blockchain industry, is apprehensive about the potential consequences for the country’s blockchain ecosystem and international reputation.
BICCoN urges “balanced resolutions” in the Saga
BICCoN underscores the importance of a balanced approach that fosters trust and confidence in the process and encourages collaboration with stakeholders, including international partners while acknowledging the Nigerian government’s obligation to protect national interests, which include economic stability and regulatory compliance.
According to Lucky Uwakwe, the president of BICCoN, the ongoing legal disputes and the detention of Binance executives have fostered an environment of uncertainty and risk, discouraging potential investors and partners.
“We recommend a fair and transparent resolution, constructive dialogue, and international collaboration to address regulatory and compliance challenges in Nigeria’s virtual asset and Web3 industry.”
In the past, local stakeholders have emphasized the need for the Nigerian government and regulators to prudently regulate the digital assets industry instead of implementing clampdowns, crackdowns, and shutdowns to reposition the Nigerian market.
Regulatory framework is required
Uwakwe commended the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for creating a regulatory framework and encouraged a prompt resolution. However, he also underscored the significance of clear regulations, investor confidence, and improved regulatory capabilities to manage the cryptocurrency market effectively.
BICCoN believes that an equitable and sustainable resolution to the current challenges can be achieved by developing a balanced approach and fostering collaborations that will enable Nigeria to establish a supportive environment for the thriving blockchain industry.
Uwakwe posits that this method will resolve immediate issues and facilitate sustainable sectoral development and innovation in the future.
Nadeem Anjarwalla, the regional manager of Binance, and Tigran Gambaryan, the director of financial crime compliance, were apprehended in Nigeria on February 26. Gambaryan had traveled from the United States to Nigeria to support the company’s defense against allegations of tax evasion and money laundering.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have each initiated separate proceedings against Binance and its executives. The former is concerned with tax evasion, while the latter is concerned with money laundering and foreign exchange violations.