Nigeria vs Tonga
Crypto regulation comparison
Nigeria
Tonga
Legal
No Regulation
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.
Tonga has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. There has been legislative interest in adopting Bitcoin as legal tender but no legislation has been enacted.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
Progressive: up to 25% (individuals) / 30% (companies)
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
SEC Nigeria, CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria)
Regulator
National Reserve Bank of Tonga
Stablecoin Rules
Stablecoins subject to SEC digital asset rules
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
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
Key Points
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Legislative interest in Bitcoin legal tender discussed
- National Reserve Bank provides monetary oversight
- Limited crypto infrastructure
- No licensing framework for crypto services