Nigeria Ushers in New Era for Capital Markets with Investments and Securities Act 2025

President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has officially signed the Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) 2025 into law, ushering in a new chapter for Nigeria’s financial landscape. This historic legislation repeals the Investments and Securities Act No. 29 of 2007 and establishes the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, with a bold focus on integrating cryptocurrencies and digital assets into the nation’s capital market framework.

As reported by Techeconomy, the ISA 2025 explicitly designates virtual assets, such as crypto and investment contracts, as securities—a move that signals Nigeria’s readiness to embrace the global cryptocurrency revolution. This progressive step has been met with widespread approval from financial experts and market stakeholders, who see it as a catalyst for revitalizing Nigeria’s capital market.

The new law strengthens the regulatory authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), cementing its role as the primary overseer of the Nigerian capital market. With enhanced powers, the SEC is now better equipped to drive capital formation, safeguard investors, ensure market transparency, and address systemic risks—all while adapting to the rise of digital finance.

Hailed as a visionary reform, the ISA 2025 introduces measures to align Nigeria with international financial standards, particularly in the fast-evolving crypto space. A standout feature of the legislation is its firm stance against Ponzi schemes and other illicit investment activities, imposing harsh penalties, including significant jail time, on perpetrators. The Act also relaxes previous constraints, allowing state governments more freedom to tap into the capital market for funding.

For the crypto community and investors, the recognition of digital assets as securities under the Tinubu administration reflects a forward-thinking approach to economic innovation. By embedding cryptocurrencies into its legal framework, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s digital economy, fostering an environment ripe for growth, transparency, and investor confidence in the crypto era.