NASD Launches Nigeria’s First Regulated Digital Securities Platform Powered by Blockstation

NASD Launches Nigeria's First Regulated Digital Securities Platform Powered by Blockstation

Blockstation Posted

Nigeria's over-the-counter securities market, NASD OTC Securities Exchange, has launched a regulated digital securities market, becoming the country's first exchange to offer a platform for the issuance and trading of tokenised securities in a move aimed at widening access to capital and modernising the nation's capital markets.

The NASD Digital Securities Platform (NDSP) is now live, with its inaugural public digital securities offering scheduled for early September, the exchange said.

The platform will enable companies to issue tokenised securities through NASD's regulated market infrastructure while giving investors access to a new class of regulated digital investment products.

The launch marks a significant step in Nigeria's drive to integrate blockchain technology into mainstream capital market activities under an established regulatory framework, positioning NASD at the forefront of digital capital formation in Africa.

"The NDSP introduces greater transparency, more efficient issuance and trading processes, and modern market infrastructure designed to support the next generation of regulated capital markets. We look forward to welcoming issuers, brokers and investors as this market continues to grow", said Chinwendu Ekeh, acting managing director/chief executive officer, NASD OTC Securities Exchange.

According to The Exchange, the platform is powered by blockchain infrastructure, developed by Blockstation Inc., enabling the issuance, trading, clearing and settlement of digital securities within an institutional-grade environment.

The launch underscores growing momentum within Nigeria's capital market to embrace tokenisation as exchanges and regulators seek innovative ways to deepen market liquidity, broaden investor participation and unlock new sources of financing for businesses.

"With one of the youngest and most entrepreneurial populations in the world, Nigeria has an extraordinary opportunity to expand access to regulated capital markets," said Jai Waterman, chief executive officer, BlockstationInc.

"Enabling greater participation in capital formation is an important step toward long-term wealth creation and economic growth. We are proud to support NASD in introducing the NDSP and look forward to seeing the market empower the next generation of Nigerian issuers and investors", Waterman added.

The initiative is the product of collaboration among NASD, technology providers, regulators and other market participants to establish what the Exchange describes as a secure and trusted marketplace for digital securities.

"Opening a new regulated market requires close collaboration between technology providers, market operators, regulators and industry participants. Today's announcement establishes a strong foundation for future digital securities issuances in Nigeria", said Damola Akindolire of TK Tech Africa.

NASD explained that additional issuances and market announcements would follow the maiden offering expected in September. The Exchange plans to continue engaging issuers, brokers, issuing houses, institutional and retail investors, SMEs and other stakeholders as it expands the digital securities ecosystem.