Quantcast

Economist Hanke: 'Crypto speculation is NOT the source of' Nigeria's economic crisis

Binance and Circle announce strategic partnership to advance USDC adoption and crypto innovation
CATO Policy Analyst: Operation Choke Point 2.0 ‘has undermined many of the people trying to work and innovate’
SEC Approves First Crypto Index ETFs Combining Bitcoin and Ethereum
Bitcoin dips to $92K in ‘optimal dip-buying’ move as PCE boosts crypto
DOGE Founder Reacts to Bitcoin, Dogecoin and Ethereum Sell-off
Coinbase CEO: 'Crypto is the only payment rail that checks all three boxes'
CATO Policy Analyst: Operation Choke Point 2.0 ‘has undermined many of the people trying to work and innovate’
AI at the service of DeFi: Reflections and perspectives from the Saint-Alex Club
Avara’s Lens secures $31M for SocialFi-focused L2 blockchain
US Federal Reserve (Fed) Continues to Cut Rates by 25 Points: New Highs for Bitcoin?
$300m of other tokens bridged to Solana in the last week, why?
Coinbase sued over WBTC delisting by Justin Sun-affiliated BiT Global
Bitcoin Soars to New Record Highs Over $106K, Let's Hope the Fed Doesn't End the Party
Increased gas limits on Ethereum L1 come with risks… but big rewards
Bitcoin Catches Up With Gold: New ATH for BTC-Gold Ratio
Bitcoin Backed by US Congress: Pro-Crypto French Hill Takes Chair of Finance Committee
BlackRock recommends 1-2% Bitcoin in your portfolio
UK watchdog asks firms to share current and future crypto exposures
Riot acquires 5,117 BTC for $510m
New SEC boss Paul Atkins will transform crypto… but not right away
Bitcoin: For billionaire investor Ray Dalio, only BTC and gold will save from future crises
BTC, XRP, DOGE Price: Dogecoin Drops, Bitcoin Steady Ahead of US CPI
Bitcoin hits level bulls must 'control' for a new $100K BTC price push
Trump reveals his price target for Bitcoin
Billionaire Ray Dalio Prefers Bitcoin Over Bonds
Bitcoin can separate money and state — David Sacks
Crypto Daybook Americas: Bitcoin (BTC) Price Hits Mid-Cycle Peak as Retail Interest in Altcoins Soars
Creating a strategic reserve with bitcoin: US states are exploring this possibility
El Salvador: When the Bitcoin dream meets the economic demands of the IMF
Bitcoin Not Just Money, Reveals Trading Legend Peter Brandt
Economist Hanke: 'Crypto speculation is NOT the source of' Nigeria's economic crisis
Webp hanke
Steve Hanke, professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University | independent.org

Steve Hanke, a professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University, has attributed Nigeria's economic instability to the policies implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including significant increases in the country's money supply. Contrary to some perspectives, Hanke insists that cryptocurrency is not responsible for Nigeria's economic challenges.

"With the naira PLUNGING & inflation SURGING, NGA has hit the PANIC BUTTON – recently forcing Binance to halt its operations," said Hanke, according to X. "Crypto speculation is NOT the source of NGA's problems."

According to Johns Hopkins University's website, Hanke is the founder and co-director of its Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health, and the Study of Business Enterprise. He also holds senior fellow positions at both the Cato Institute and the Independent Institute. His previous roles include serving as a senior economist on President Reagan’s Council of Economic Advisers and as a senior adviser to the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Crypto Republique
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Nigerians grappling with soaring inflation and a devalued currency have increasingly turned to cryptocurrency as a means to safeguard their savings. However, in February, access to several crypto platforms was restricted by the Nigerian government. This included Binance, recognised as the world's largest crypto exchange. Following this action, two Binance executives were detained during their visit to meet with government officials in Nigeria. These executives - American citizen Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla who holds UK and Kenyan nationality - remain in detention without any formal charges against them. They are reportedly being held under guard with limited access to their phones. Gambaryan's wife has stated that she has been able to maintain minimal communication with her husband.

Binance's website indicates that Gambaryan joined their team in 2021 as vice president of Global Intelligence and Investigations. Prior to this role, he spent ten years serving as a special agent for the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Cyber Crimes Unit based in Washington D.C., where he led several multi-billion dollar cyber investigations.

While details regarding the detention of these two executives have not been openly discussed by the Nigerian government, Bayo Onanuga, an adviser to the Nigerian president, told the Wall Street Journal that Binance has been cooperating with government officials. Discussions regarding "compensation" to Nigeria have reportedly taken place. A spokesperson for Binance stated, "We are working collaboratively with Nigerian authorities to bring Nadeem and Tigran back home safely to their families. We trust there will be a swift resolution to this matter."

Economist Shedrach Israel expressed his belief that banning Binance will not resolve the issue of Nigeria's currency devaluation, as reported by Punch. Israel stated, "I don’t know why the cryptocurrency is being seen as sabotage on the exchange rate because the cryptocurrency is not the major means by which the dollar is flowing in Nigeria." It is estimated that 10.3% of Nigeria's population, equating to over 22 million people, currently hold crypto.

More News

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has issued a warning against the website amgfinancialeu.com, citing its provision of financial, investment, and crypto-security services without proper authorization.

Feb 24, 2025

Georg Brameshuber, a crypto advisor, said that cryptocurrency is more than just money; Bitcoin represents financial "sovereignty," with some countries embracing it while others resist its influence.

Feb 21, 2025

The Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) has issued warnings about unregistered institutions that are unauthorized to offer investment services or related activities, including cryptocurrency services.

Feb 21, 2025

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has issued a warning against the website topcoinmarkt.de, citing unauthorized financial, investment, and crypto-security services.

Feb 21, 2025

Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, co-founder and former CEO of Binance, announced a donation of 150 BNB to assist those impacted by the Argentine $Libra currency incident.

Feb 18, 2025

Giulio Centemero, the League Group Leader on the Italy Finance Committee, has highlighted misunderstandings surrounding crypto assets and stressed the need for broader education to clarify sector differences.

Feb 18, 2025