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The Nigerian Exchange Group has underscored the importance of balanced regulation and strong stakeholder collaboration in supporting the sustainable growth of digital assets trading and investment in Nigeria.
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Speaking at the 2026 Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers’ Conference in Lagos, NGX Group Chairman, Umaru Kwairanga, stressed the need for a stable, transparent, and forward-looking regulatory framework that enables innovation while safeguarding market integrity.
Creating a Sustainable Regulatory Environment for Digital Assets
The conference, themed “Fostering an Enduring Operating Environment for Digital Assets Trading and Investments – Regulators/Operators Perspective,” convened regulators, operators, and market professionals across Nigeria’s financial services ecosystem.
Kwairanga noted that digital assets are increasingly reshaping global financial systems, unlocking new opportunities for capital formation, portfolio diversification, and broader financial inclusion. However, he cautioned that the long-term success of these innovations depends on striking the right balance between innovation and regulation.
Shared Responsibility Across the Ecosystem
According to the NGX Chairman, regulators must provide clear, consistent guidelines and effective safeguards to protect investors and the market. At the same time, market operators are expected to invest in resilient infrastructure and uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.
He added that investors and industry participants also have a responsibility to promote transparency, professionalism, and trust—critical elements for building a credible and resilient digital assets ecosystem.
NGX Invest and Capital Market Digitalisation
Kwairanga highlighted NGX Invest, NGX Group’s digital platform, as a key milestone in the modernisation of Nigeria’s capital market.
He explained that NGX Invest has streamlined primary market activities by replacing manual processes with a fully digital experience, making it easier and more efficient for investors to participate in capital-raising initiatives. The platform, he said, aligns Nigeria’s capital market with global best practices while expanding access to investment opportunities.
Commitment to Responsible Market Evolution
Reaffirming NGX Group’s commitment, Kwairanga said the Exchange will continue to work closely with regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure that emerging asset classes are integrated responsibly into Nigeria’s financial system.
He urged conference participants to engage in constructive dialogue, noting that the outcomes of such engagements would have lasting implications for the Nigerian economy and the evolution of its capital market.
Recognising the Role of Investment Professionals
The NGX Chairman also commended the Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers for convening the conference and creating a platform for meaningful engagement on critical industry issues.
He described investment advisers and portfolio managers as vital custodians of market integrity, tasked with guiding investors and ensuring the efficient allocation of capital across the economy.
