North Korea vs Nigeria
Crypto regulation comparison
North Korea
Nigeria
Banned
Legal
North Korea does not allow civilian cryptocurrency use. The regime has been accused by the UN and US of using state-sponsored hacking to steal cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs.
Nigeria has the highest crypto adoption rate in Africa and among the highest globally. After the CBN banned banks from servicing crypto exchanges in 2021 (driving activity to P2P), the ban was lifted in December 2023. The SEC Nigeria now regulates digital asset exchanges and issuances under its Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme (ARIP). Nigeria's progressive rates up to 25% applies to crypto disposals.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
Progressive: up to 25% (individuals) / 30% (companies)
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Central Bank of North Korea
Regulator
SEC Nigeria, CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria)
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
Stablecoin Rules
Stablecoins subject to SEC digital asset rules
Key Points
- No civilian cryptocurrency use permitted
- State-sponsored crypto theft alleged by UN and US
- Lazarus Group linked to major crypto exchange hacks
- International sanctions restrict all financial activities
- Cryptocurrency used by state actors, not civilians
Key Points
- CBN lifted the 2021 banking ban on crypto in December 2023
- SEC Nigeria oversees VASPs under the Investments and Securities Act and ARIP
- Progressive rates up to 25% applies to profits from crypto asset disposals according to Nigeria Tax Act 2025 (eff. Jan 2026)
- Nigeria ranks among the top 5 globally for crypto adoption (Chainalysis index)
- P2P trading dominates the market; Binance and other platforms face regulatory scrutiny