Economy
SEC Authorises NASD to List Crypto, Other Digital Assets
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has authorised NASD Plc, which operates the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange, to launch its Digital Securities Platform (N-DSP).
The platform has been touted to transform the way digital securities are issued, traded, and settled, democratizing access to capital markets and leveraging blockchain technology to enhance accessibility while minimizing costs.
NASD, in collaboration with Blockstation Incorporated under the Regulatory Incubation (RI) Programme, engaged with the SEC to shape a regulatory framework for crypto/digital assets.
Blockstation, as a technology partner, will provide a robust enterprise blockchain-driven platform, originating and popularizing the importance of regulated tokenized IPOs, generally called Security Token Offerings (STOs).
The operations of the N-DSP during the RI Program will be regulated by SEC and participating institutions, such as custodians, brokers, and issuing houses.
This milestone signifies a noteworthy stride toward fostering new-age innovation, enhanced transparency, and deepening trust and inclusion in Nigerian capital markets.
This is coming after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lifted the ban on digital asset trading like cryptocurrency last month.
Speaking on the potential of the platform, the Managing Director of NASD Plc, Mr Eguarekhide Longe, said it would allow fresh investors to enter the capital market due to attractive digital offerings.
“Our objective is to empower millions of young investors with access to promising digital assets, ensuring they can confidently purchase in a completely compliant and secure investment environment.
“Nigeria currently ranks second globally for blockchain wallets, and our Exchange is poised to support high-quality assets thriving on the blockchain,” he stated.
Through this nascent approach, NASD is providing issuers with a gateway to raise capital from the public using digital assets, marking a groundbreaking initiative.
This endeavour is set to directly influence traditional debt and equity markets, along with traditionally illiquid assets. The opportunity for digital sovereign bonds can provide the necessary capital for infrastructure while helping resolve FX challenges in the country.
The firm is also looking to tap into the diaspora, which currently provides $20 billion in annual remittances, which can be a promising way to invest their money back home.
Adding his input, the chief executive of Blockstation, Mr Jai Waterman, said, “In a nation marked by dynamic economic forces, the confluence of digital assets and traditional financial institutions signals a transformative era for Nigeria’s economic landscape.
“The integration of cutting-edge technology to address the needs of, and captivate the substantially large youthful population, is set to unlock previously untapped markets. We are confident that this platform will play a pivotal role in propelling Nigeria into a new era of economic growth.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The pre-registration training and examination for capital market operators (CMOs) for the second quarter of 2026 has been postponed.
Business Post gathered that the new date for the exercise is now Monday, June 15, 2026.
This information was disclosed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through a circular on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The Nigerian capital market regulator stated that this postponement has also resulted in the extension of the deadline for registration to Friday, June 12, 2026.
In the notice today, the SEC expressed its regret for the inconvenience this action may cause operators, who had prepared for the initial date of the training and examination.
“Further to the recent circular on Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hereby informs all eligible applicants for the Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination that the commencement date has been postponed to Monday, June 15, 2026.
“Registration on the designated portal has also been extended to Friday, June 12, 2026. All other conditions contained in the circular remain unchanged.
“The commission regrets any inconvenience this postponement may cause and appreciates the understanding of all applicants,” the disclosure noted.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the leading healthcare firms in Nigeria, Fidson Healthcare Plc, has listed additional shares on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
The new stocks absorbed into the stock market were 600 million units, raising the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each from 2,400,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.
The fresh equities came from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share.
They were issued to existing investors on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as of the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Confirming the development, the regulator in a notice said, “Trading licence holders are hereby notified that an additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each of Fidson Healthcare Plc were on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, listed on the daily official list of Nigerian Exchange Limited.
“The additional shares arose from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
“With the listing of the additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares, the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson Healthcare Plc have now increased from 2,400,000,000 to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
This news will surely excite local contractors with verified claims of N100 million or less, as the federal government has approved their payments.
This approval for the disbursement was given by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele.
This followed a verification and reconciliation exercise designed to ensure only validated claims qualify for payment.
The beneficiaries cover contractors across multiple ministries, departments and agencies. The release of the funds is expected to enable contractors to return to project sites, pay workers, settle suppliers and meet outstanding financial commitments.
In an announcement on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Finance also said this latest batch of payments would ease liquidity pressure on small businesses and accelerate economic activity nationwide.
It was noted that the payments for verified claims of N100 million below were strategically done to spread economic impact broadly rather than concentrate disbursements among a handful of large firms.
The payments form part of a broader push to clear inherited contractor obligations, with over N700 billion verified in recent months.
“For many beneficiaries, the release of funds represents more than a financial transaction. It provides the certainty needed to sustain operations, preserve jobs, complete ongoing projects, and contribute to economic recovery and growth,” the ministry said in a statement.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn