Introduction

Senator Izunaso has pressed the SEC to speed up rules for digital asset tokenisation, warning that delays could cause Nigeria to miss out on key investment chances.

What Happened

At the National Capital Market Conference 2026 in Abuja, Izunaso, who chairs the Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, challenged the SEC to clarify the rules for tokenisation. The announcement came alongside the launch of the Nigerian Capital Market Master Plan 2.0, a decade-long strategy to grow the market from N250 trillion to N750 trillion by 2036.

Izunaso questioned whether Nigeria has the right laws to guide token development, noting that many stakeholders are already looking abroad for opportunities while local processes stall. He also pointed to a presidential committee led by the CBN governor, expecting movement on a digital asset framework within weeks.

Why This Matters

With more than five million registered companies in Nigeria but only about 151 listed on the exchange, the senator argued that faster regulation could open doors for more citizens to invest in major businesses. He also urged more firms, including NNPC and telecom giants, to list on the Nigerian Exchange.

Beyond tokenisation, the push reflects a wider effort to deepen market participation and attract long-term financing, especially as the SEC works under the new Investments and Securities Act 2025 to shape how virtual assets are overseen.

Key Takeaways

  • Izunaso has asked the SEC to accelerate tokenisation regulations, citing Nigeria's readiness gap.
  • The SEC has proposed registration fees of N30 million and a minimum capital requirement of N500 million for tokenisation platforms.
  • The 2025 Investments and Securities Act provides a legal foundation, but specific tokenisation rules are still central to the debate.
  • Nigeria's capital market aims to expand from N250 trillion to N750 trillion by 2036 under the new master plan.
  • More corporate listings, including state-owned entities, could broaden domestic investment opportunities.

Conclusion

As Nigeria positions itself as a growing hub for digital assets, the immediate challenge for regulators is balancing innovation with investor protection. Izunaso's intervention highlights the urgency of clear, enforceable tokenisation rules to sustain market development and keep capital within the country.