Nigeria plans to develop new blockchain policy, again

In a newly released white paper from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the government highlighted the potential of blockchain technology to enhance financial inclusion, digital identity systems, and public sector efficiency. The ministry emphasized that this initiative would build upon, rather than replace, the previous blockchain strategy introduced by NITDA in 2023.

To strengthen the research foundation for the policy, the ministry identified 21 Nigerian-based researchers using a combination of AI-powered data analysis and manual selection. It has also extended an open call for additional public submissions to involve more stakeholders from Nigeria’s growing blockchain ecosystem.

However, the announcement has received mixed reactions. While some industry watchers welcome the renewed focus, others remain skeptical about the government’s consistency in driving blockchain innovation. Tech entrepreneur Chris Ani criticized the redundancy, recalling NITDA’s prior announcement, while Njoku Emmanuel, founder of defunct blockchain startup Lazerpay, questioned the timing, pointing out Nigeria’s more immediate infrastructural challenges.

As Nigeria attempts to solidify its position in Africa’s digital economy, the success of this new policy will depend on whether it translates beyond paperwork into tangible, market-driven outcomes.

Source: Mariblock

Voice of Osiz

While it’s encouraging to see Nigeria revisit its blockchain ambitions, repeated policy overhauls without visible implementation risk stalling industry confidence. We believe real progress lies in action-driven frameworks, not just strategic whitepapers. The involvement of AI in policy research is a smart move, but lasting impact will come only when these initiatives translate into tangible opportunities for businesses and communities.