A critical assessment of the regulation of cryptocurrency in Nigeria

Abstract

Over the years, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of cryptocurrency as a virtual means and form of payment worldwide. However, in recent years, there has been a steady increase in the use of cryptocurrency for illicit and criminal activities such as money laundering, financing terrorism and other illegal activities. In addition, the virtual nature of cryptocurrency creates opportunities for tax evasion thereby constituting a serious tax challenge for countries. This makes it necessary for countries to put in place measures to regulate cryptocurrency to prevent its use for illicit and criminal activities. Various countries have established certain measures and legislations to regulate the use of cryptocurrency. The objective of this article is to examine nature of cryptocurrency as well as its regulation in some selected jurisdictions. The paper will also examine how cryptocurrency is currently regulated in Nigeria.