He is a Digital Transformation Consultant and Lead Blockchain Compliance Facilitator, with deep experience helping startups, financial institutions, and regulators navigate blockchain adoption responsibly.

With a strong background in crypto risk, virtual asset compliance, and policy engagement, Ozinegbe has become a trusted voice in conversations around VASP licensing, AML frameworks, and institutional crypto adoption in Africa.

His work focuses on ensuring that blockchain innovation scales in a way that protects consumers, attracts capital, and delivers measurable economic value.

In this interview with Techeconomy, Jude speaks on regulation, taxation, VASP licensing, and how Nigeria can move crypto from informal activity to institutional value. Excerpt:

TE: Nigeria reportedly recorded about $92.1 billion in crypto activity within a year. How can this level of activity be converted into real economic value for the country?

Jude Ozinegbe: From an industry lens, the opportunity is formalization, not suppression. Nigeria already has demand, liquidity, and talent. The real win is to channel that activity through regulated rails, tiered licensed VASPs, compliant on-ramps, and auditable transaction trails.

Once crypto activity becomes visible, government captures value through taxes, regulatory fees, FX efficiency, and data-driven policy, while citizens benefit from cheaper payments, access to capital, and broader financial inclusion. In simple terms, we must move crypto from being merely busy to becoming bankable.

TE: Which sectors stand to benefit the most if crypto and digital assets are fully integrated into Nigeria’s financial system?

Ozinegbe: There are three clear winners. First is financial services, payments, remittances, treasury management, and capital formation. Second is trade and SMEs, particularly cross-border commerce, where crypto reduces FX friction and settlement delays. Third is capital markets, through tokenized assets, digital commodities, and alternative investment products.

When you add public sector payments and the creative and technology economy, the impact becomes multiplicative rather than incremental.

TE: Nigeria’s new Tax Act has raised concerns within the innovation ecosystem. How can taxation be balanced without stifling growth?

Ozinegbe: The principle is straightforward: tax actual operations, not projections.

Government must start with clear classifications, whether an entity is engaged in trading, brokerage, custody, or infrastructure provision.

Taxes should be moderate, predictable, and applied at licensed touchpoints, rather than imposed as blanket or punitive measures.

Certainty beats aggression every time. When the rules are clear, compliance becomes cheaper than evasion, and innovation stays within the country instead of migrating offshore.

TE: Beyond taxation, what long-term economic benefits does crypto offer Nigeria?

Ozinegbe: This is fundamentally a jobs and skills story. Blockchain engineers, compliance officers, cyber-risk professionals, data analysts, these are high-value roles that build durable human capital. Add foreign direct investment, local infrastructure development, and Nigeria positioning itself as West Africa’s digital finance hub, and the value goes far beyond revenue.

Crypto is not just about money flows; it’s about human capital formation and competitive advantage.

TE: What is your assessment of Nigeria’s current progress on VASP licensing?

Ozinegbe: Nigeria is moving in the right direction. We’re seeing SEC-led frameworks, sandbox approaches, and clearer definitions around exchanges, custodians, and brokers.

This matters because markets don’t fear regulation—they fear uncertainty. Licensing is what separates speculative activity from institutional participation. Without it, serious capital stays on the sidelines.

TE: How does licensing protect consumers while also attracting investment?

Ozinegbe: Licensing enforces governance standards, segregation of client assets, AML controls, and dispute resolution mechanisms. For consumers, that translates to trust and protection. For institutional and foreign investors, it provides risk clarity. Capital is conservative by nature, it follows rules, not vibes.

TE: What lessons can Nigeria learn from other jurisdictions that have successfully regulated crypto markets?

Ozinegbe: Three key lessons stand out: First, clarity over complexity. Secondly, phased implementation rather than regulatory shock therapy. Thirdly, strong dialogue between regulators and industry. Successful jurisdictions don’t copy and paste laws, they operationalise them. Nigeria’s advantage is scale. If we get the framework right, the market itself will do most of the heavy lifting.

TE: What is your closing message to policymakers and industry stakeholders?

Ozinegbe: Crypto is already Nigerian. The real policy question is whether the value remains informal or becomes a driver of national growth. That choice is not technical, it’s strategic.

Scheduled for 28 October 2025 at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, the event will unite policymakers, institutional investors, fintech innovators, and technology leaders to define and deploy actionable frameworks for Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization, cross-border stablecoin adoption, AI-blockchain integration, and scalable decentralized infrastructure.

Building on Regulatory Milestones

Following the landmark 2024 edition, where Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) reinforced its commitment to blockchain adoption and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unveiled Africa’s first comprehensive keynote on asset tokenization, this year’s agenda is designed to accelerate implementation.

Delegates will engage directly with regulators shaping Africa’s digital asset policy landscape, while exploring strategic partnership opportunities with global and regional stakeholders.

Vision for Africa’s Digital Economy

“Nigeria is the catalytic engine of Africa’s $1.2 trillion digital asset opportunity,” said Jude Ozinegbe, founder of Cyberchain. “Tokenized Economy 2025 goes beyond thought leadership. We are architecting deployable models where blockchain fuels GDP growth, enhances liquidity, and secures Africa’s leadership in the global tokenized economy.”

Delegate Value Proposition

• Capital Access: Startups qualify for $15,000 in cloud infrastructure credits
• Regulatory Intelligence: Direct engagement with SEC, NITDA, and Central Bank representatives
• Market Entry Pathways: Workshops on compliant RWA tokenization and stablecoin integration
• Investor Connectivity: Curated networking with Africa-focused Web3 venture funds
• Genger equality: Financial inclusion, empowerment and leadership.

Strategic Sponsorship

Key partners will anchor high-level conversations across critical areas:

• Zinochrome: ICT Infrastructure powering on-prem and cloud solutions
• Roqqu: Global exchange and onramp digital assets trading
• cNGN Consortium: Institutional deployment of Africa’s digital Naira stablecoin
• Convexity: Enterprise-grade blockchain integration hub
• DataMellon (AWS Partner): AI-powered asset valuation and cloud infrastructure
• BoundlessPay: Pan-African web 3 exchange and digital bank

Entertainment & Cultural Showcase

The conference will conclude with The Tokenized Economy Xperience—a dynamic evening of comedy, music, and live entertainment, designed to celebrate innovation and foster informal networking among delegates.

Community, Ecosystem, Media Partners

Tokenized Economy 2025 is strengthened by the support of a diverse network of community leaders, ecosystem enablers, and media partners across Africa and beyond. From grassroots blockchain associations and fintech hubs to global media outlets and digital economy advocacy groups, these partnerships ensure broad industry representation, amplify thought leadership, and drive meaningful conversations that extend the conference’s impact well beyond the event itself.

Confirmed partners include: BICCON, CDIN, Ethereum Foundation, BEI Consult, Blockchain Kogi, ChainDrive, SmartGame, WomenInDeFi, ThrilldLabs, Tech Economy, ITPulse, Communications Weekly, E-Business Life, AMBCrypto, CoinGabbar, LenzOne, Teen Girls In Blockchain, NOBSSA, Web3Bridge, Blockchain4Good, CoinNewsExtra, KryptoStreetTV, TaGi Africa, Decentralized Nigeria, among many others.

Event Specifications

• Date: Tuesday 28 October, 2025
• Venue: NAF Conference Centre, Abuja
• Registration is here.
• Audience: C-suite executives, institutional investors, regulatory bodies, fintech founders, infrastructure providers
• Sponsorship/Exhibition: Kindly contact: info@cyberchain.com.ng
• Xperience: Kindly call Lauren +2348037041994

*Cyberchain accelerates Africa’s digital economy through strategic aggregation, policy advocacy, and the deployment of scalable Web3 frameworks. Its flagship Tokenized Economy Conference series is the continent’s leading platform for blockchain investment, regulatory dialogue, and industry collaboration.

The historic law officially recognizes cryptocurrency as a security.

Jude Ozinegbe, the founder of Cyberchain told Techeconomy that this significant decision marks a turning point for the nation’s digital asset industry, providing the sector with much-needed clarity and structure.

[Jude featured on TecheconomyTV]

“With regulation now taking centre stage, stakeholders across the financial and technological landscapes must prepare for the next phase—compliance and implementation”.

A Milestone in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Mr. Ozinegbe said that the journey toward regulatory acceptance of cryptocurrency in Nigeria has been a long and complex one.

“For years, digital assets operated in a grey area, with uncertainty hindering their mainstream adoption.  On the other hand, this brand-new law confers legitimacy and paves the way for greater institutional involvement. Recognizing cryptocurrency as a security aligns Nigeria with global trends, ensuring that digital assets are subject to proper oversight and investor protection measures.

“This move is expected to bolster confidence among investors and industry players, fostering innovation while mitigating risks associated with fraudulent activities, money laundering, and unregulated exchanges.  In addition, it positions Nigeria as an innovative nation in the blockchain and fintech fields”.

Regulations Take the Spotlight

“With this recognition comes the inevitable focus on regulatory frameworks.  Policymakers and enforcement agencies will need to establish clear guidelines on how cryptocurrencies should be issued, traded, and monitored.

“The role of agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will become more pronounced as they work to develop rules that balance innovation with security.

“Training in compliance has never been more important. Understanding and adhering to regulations will be crucial for businesses, investors, and blockchain entrepreneurs operating within Nigeria.  This is where training institutions and blockchain advocacy groups step in to bridge the knowledge gap”, he said

Cyberchain: Pioneering Blockchain Compliance Training

As the conversation shifts towards compliance, Cyberchain has taken the lead in preparing industry players for this transition.

Having trained private executives and staff of NITDA, Cyberchain remains at the forefront of blockchain education and regulatory awareness in Nigeria.

Cyberchain has long championed responsible blockchain adoption, emphasizing the importance of regulatory alignment.

Through comprehensive training programs, workshops, and stakeholder engagements, Cyberchain is equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape effectively.

A Realized Idea Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Mr. Ozinegbe, shared his thoughts on the development:

“When Adedeji, Ophi, and I collaborated on the book Blockchain Compliance, Policies, and Regulations, we suggested that the government establish a clear regulatory framework. Now we can gladly say that they listened.”

“This recognition of cryptocurrency as a security is not just a regulatory milestone—it is a testament to years of advocacy and education.  It underscores the importance of proactive engagement between industry leaders and policymakers to shape a future where blockchain technology thrives within a secure and structured environment”.

What Lies Ahead?

Continuing, the founder of Cyberchain said, “With the law now in place, the next few months will be crucial in defining the practical aspects of cryptocurrency regulation in Nigeria”.

He mentioned key areas Cyberchain is keeping an eye on, such as the development of compliance guidelines by the SEC and other regulatory bodies; the licensing process for cryptocurrency exchanges and service providers, and the impact of this law on existing crypto businesses and new entrants.

How this recognition will influence Nigeria’s position in the global blockchain ecosystem.

“This is an exciting time for Nigeria’s digital economy.  While challenges will arise, the potential for growth and innovation in the crypto and blockchain space is immense.  As Nigeria steps into this new era, businesses, investors, and blockchain professionals must stay informed, adapt, and contribute to the responsible evolution of this industry.

“Nigeria is well-positioned to reap the benefits of this revolutionary technology while ensuring that regulations keep pace with innovation thanks to Cyberchain’s commitment to blockchain compliance and education. The future of cryptocurrency in Nigeria has never been brighter, and this bold step marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s digital transformation.

*To participate in Cyberchain’s executive training on Blockchain Compliance, kindly send an email to: info@cyberchain.com.ng or call Blessing Ishaku: 08160463935, Ekene Ezeala: 08119597976, Edwin Okoli: 08032886487

Web3 Market Size

The global Web3 Market is projected to grow from $0.4 billion in 2023 to $5.5 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 44.9% during the forecast period, according to MarketsandMarkets report.

Web3, the next phase of the internet, promises a more secure, private, and decentralized online experience compared to Web2.

This advancement, anchored in blockchain technology, prioritizes user data protection, granting individuals greater control over their information and reducing reliance on vulnerable central servers.

Moreover, Web3 signifies a shift in perspective, encouraging a forward-thinking outlook on the internet’s potential, transcending its current capabilities, and fostering innovations that could reshape how we interact with digital content and services.

While still emerging, Web3 holds the potential to redefine the internet landscape and enhance user trust and autonomy in the digital realm.

Here are key Web3 trends to watch in 2025, shaping the future of blockchain and decentralized technologies:

1. Real World Assets Tokenization (RWAT)

The tokenization of real-world assets, such as real estate, stocks, art, and commodities, is gaining momentum. By using blockchain, assets can be fractionalized, democratizing access and enhancing liquidity in traditionally illiquid markets.

2. Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN)

DePIN represents a new wave of decentralized networks for physical infrastructure such as IoT devices, renewable energy grids, and edge computing systems.

This model enables participants to own, operate, and earn from infrastructure investments, creating a more inclusive economy.

3. Decentralized Science (DeSCI)

DeSCI leverages blockchain to transform research funding, data sharing, and scientific collaboration. By decentralizing access to scientific knowledge and incentivizing open innovation, DeSCI seeks to address inefficiencies in traditional research systems.

4. Web3-Powered Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The integration of AI and blockchain is creating transformative possibilities. Decentralized AI models ensure privacy, data sovereignty, and fair monetization of AI outputs, empowering individuals and businesses to benefit from AI advancements without centralized control.

5. Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) 2.0

DAOs are evolving with improved governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and use-case diversification. From managing investment portfolios to supporting social causes, DAOs are becoming more sophisticated and impactful.

6. Layer 2 Scaling Solutions

Scalability remains a critical focus for blockchain networks. Layer 2 solutions like rollups and sidechains are addressing high gas fees and slow transaction speeds, ensuring blockchains can support mass adoption without compromising security.

7. Cross-Chain Interoperability

As the blockchain space becomes more diverse, seamless interaction between different networks is crucial.

Interoperability protocols are enabling users to transfer assets and data across chains, fostering a more unified ecosystem.

8. Digital Identity and Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)

Digital identity solutions using blockchain are empowering individuals to control their personal data. SSI ensures privacy, reduces identity theft, and enables secure online interactions across platforms.

9. Decentralized Social Media Platforms

With growing concerns about centralized control over social media, decentralized alternatives are emerging. These platforms prioritize user ownership of data, censorship resistance, and equitable monetization of content.

10. Regulations

Governments and regulatory bodies are catching up with Web3 innovations. 2025 will likely see more comprehensive regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection, fostering trust and adoption in the decentralized ecosystem.

The Web3 Trends | Revolution in 2025

The year 2025 is poised to be a defining moment for Web3 technologies. From tokenizing real-world assets to enhancing interoperability and embracing decentralized infrastructure, the blockchain ecosystem is scaling new heights.

However, the true success of these trends hinges on addressing challenges like regulatory clarity, user education, and technological scalability. As the industry matures, collaboration between innovators, policymakers, and users will be crucial to unlock Web3’s full potential.

By staying ahead of these trends, businesses and individuals can position themselves to thrive in the decentralized future.

*Jude Ozinegbe, founder of Cyberchain 

As our nation stands on the brink of a technological revolution, we, the people of Nigeria, urge you to prioritize policies that will shape a digital future for our country.

Your leadership will determine whether we harness the power of AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity to solve pressing challenges, create economic opportunities, and secure our digital sovereignty.

We implore you to consider the following key questions:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Education: How will you integrate AI into our education system to prepare our youth for the future? What steps will you take to train teachers and upskill students in AI-related fields?

Governance: How will you leverage AI to improve public service delivery, increase transparency, and enhance efficiency? Will you commit to open data policies that fuel AI innovation?

Ethics: How will you ensure the ethical development and use of AI, protecting privacy rights and preventing job displacement?

2. Blockchain Technology

National Strategy: What is your vision for a national blockchain strategy to combat corruption and improve public services like land registry, voting, and social benefits?

Financial Inclusion: How will you use blockchain to empower the unbanked and underbanked, especially in rural areas? What policies will you enact to foster the growth of blockchain startups and innovation hubs?

Asset Tokenization: How will you encourage the tokenization of real-world assets to unlock new investment opportunities for Nigerians?

3. Cybersecurity

Data Protection: What measures will you implement to protect citizens’ data from cyber threats? How will you ensure that Nigerian data remains within our borders and is handled responsibly?

Infrastructure Protection: What investments will you make to safeguard critical infrastructure from cyberattacks?

Talent Development: How will you support the development of a skilled cybersecurity workforce to defend our digital assets?

4. Policy Framework and Governance

Legislative Framework: What laws and regulations will you enact to balance innovation with security and privacy?

Public-Private Partnerships: How will you foster collaboration between the government and the private sector to drive technological advancement?

International Cooperation: How will you engage with the global community to align Nigeria’s technology policies with international best practices and attract foreign investment?

5. Digital Economy and Job Creation

SMEs and Startups: How will you support small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting technology to scale their businesses?

Digital Divide: What steps will you take to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology for all Nigerians?

Tech Ecosystem: How will you create a conducive environment for tech startups through tax incentives and funding?

The future of Nigeria depends on our ability to embrace technology responsibly and strategically. We urge you to make these issues a priority and to work tirelessly to create a digital Nigeria that benefits all citizens.

Sincerely,

Jude Ozinegbe, founder of Cyberchain 

A Concerned Citizen

VIDEO here.

There are however multiple factors that can affect the growth and expansion of the digital ec​​onomy, a few are infrastructure, innovations, policies, access to funding and proper education, amongst others.

The lowest hanging fruit but with the most impactful and long lasting effect on the nation’s economy is education.

One organisation that has been in the forefront of the need for digital skills and by extension, improving the lives of Nigerians across the nation is Cyberchain.

Cyberchain is a decentralised, brand-neutral and people-focused ecosystem that promotes the need for ethical use of cybersecurity and blockchain technology.

Cyberchain converges some of the best minds in the tech space annually and connects them with enthusiasts that are eager for the knowledge shared by these experts, blockchain developers, founders and investors have also found Cyberchain events, perfect fits for them to engage and foster viable business relationships.

According to the Founder – Jude Ozinegbe, a Digital Transformation and Blockchain Consultant, “Cyberchain was born out of the need to ensure Nigerians get proper sensitisation about the numerous benefits of the digital economy, which includes but not limited to creating more jobs for Nigerians, ease of doing business, transparent Governance, safe online presence and even placing Nigeria on the global map by creating world class projects that contribute to the nation’s GDP”

Cyberchain embarked on a national tour this year with the theme: “Embracing The Metaverse Economy”, starting with the City of Akure in Ondo State in March, then onto Uyo in Akwa Ibom State in May, Benin City in Edo State in July, the next will be Abuja, the FCT on the 22nd of October at NAF Conference Centre Opp LG Showroom Kado Abuja Nigeria.

Speakers for the Abuja conference include Mr. Mohammed Jega, Founder at Domineum Blockchain, Mr. Adedeji Owonibi, Founder at Convexity and A&D Forensics, Mr. William Phelps, Investment Manager at Adaverse and many others.

The grand finale of their national tour will hold in Lagos on 12th November 2022, with even more breathtaking industry leaders, like Chris Ani of DabaTV, Tony Emeka of CryptoTV Plus, Chuta Chimezie of BNUG, Kristian Kruz of Element USA.

Nollywood ace actress and business tycoon, Mimi Orjiekweng will also be making an appearance at the Lagos event and present prizes at the flagship Cybersecurity Hackathon dubbed: “Cyberthon” where winners will walk away with over N1,000,000 and other gifts for their performance at the ethical hacking competition, supervised by Digital Encode Limited.

They also planned to wrap up this year’s event with the first and biggest Blockchain boat cruise on 13th November 2022 where celebrities, founders, investors and top leaders in the blockchain space will have ample time to network, dine and wine, while enjoying the lush and ambient view of the Ikoyi/Lekki waters.

Jude Ozinegbe does not hesitate to always acknowledge brands that have always supported Cyberchain, like:

Zinochrome, NCC, NITDA, Digital Encode, Binance, TradeFada, Bitmama, FBM Homes, Convexity, RedswanCRE, LBank, FTX, Adbond, WhiteBit, Gamic Guild, Adaverse, Emurgo, AAX, Farmchain, SiBAN, Boundless Nexus, Rocket, CryptoTV Plus, LenzOne, ChannelsTV and others too numerous to mention.

More details are available on their website.