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Binance Under Fire: Nigeria Demands $10 Billion Over Alleged Manipulation

Nigeria’s $10 Billion Demand

Arrests and Silence

Adding to the drama, two high-ranking Binance executives were arrested within Nigerian borders earlier this week. Despite the uproar, Binance has remained tight-lipped, failing to respond to inquiries from media outlets, including the BBC.

Cryptocurrency Landscape in Nigeria

Nigeria boasts one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency markets, with transactions equivalent to a substantial 12% of the nation’s GDP occurring in the year leading up to June 2023, according to Reuters.

Nigeria's $10 Billion Demand

Regulatory Framework

While cryptocurrencies are not illegal in Nigeria, companies operating within the sector are required to register with the government. However, Binance allegedly skirted these regulations, prompting scrutiny from authorities.

Market Impact

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to untether the naira from the dollar last year aimed to foster a more flexible exchange system. However, recent turmoil in the market, attributed to Binance’s activities, has forced the government’s hand in taking decisive action.

Suspension and Fallout

In a bid to stabilize the plummeting naira, Nigerian authorities have suspended several cryptocurrency platforms, including Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and others. This move has caused frustration among Nigerian users but underscores the government’s determination to restore stability.

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Money Laundering and Security Concerns

Beyond financial instability, Nigerian officials have raised concerns over the illicit use of cryptocurrency for money laundering and funding terrorism. The anonymity inherent in cryptocurrency transactions poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies.

Economic Fallout

The collapse of the naira has exacerbated the country’s cost-of-living crisis, triggering protests against soaring food and commodity prices, alongside rising fuel and transportation costs.

Regulatory Response

To address the currency’s freefall, Nigeria’s central bank has implemented various measures, including the closure of numerous bureaux de change, aiming to rein in foreign currency trading and stabilize the naira.

1 thought on “Binance Under Fire: Nigeria Demands $10 Billion Over Alleged Manipulation”

  1. Pingback: Trade Binance Crypto in India Post FIU Approval

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