Binance drops naira from P2P platform amid government scrutiny

Cryptocurrency trading platform Binance has removed the Nigerian currency, the naira from its peer-to-peer (P2P) feature. 

Binance users in Nigeria have taken to the X social platform to complain and express concerns about the development. The removal of the naira by Binance from its P2P market came amid claims by Nigerian authorities that the platform contributed to the devaluation of Naira. 

Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga said Binance would destroy the Nigerian economy if not stopped because it arbitrarily fixes foreign exchange rates.

The P2P feature allows users, buyers, and sellers to trade without involving a third party. It became popular in Nigeria in 2021 following the government’s ban on the country’s thriving crypto industry during former President Buhari’s administration.

Due to the rapid decline of the naira and the resulting almost three-decade-high inflation of 29.9%, the government turned its focus to platforms providing cryptocurrency services. These websites have become famous for trading and establishing an informal value for the naira.

Crypto users in Nigeria had earlier reported difficulty accessing different crypto exchange websites, including Binance, OctaFX and others. A few days later, Binance set a limit on the selling price of Tether (USDT) tokens on its peer-to-peer (P2P) platform, leaving traders unable to sell USDT above 1,802 naira per USDT.

However, contrary to speculation by the local crypto community, the exchange explained that the price peg was due to an automatic system pause.

Related: Nigerian central bank head criticizes Binance, execs reportedly arrested

Binance is under increased scrutiny in Nigeria as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) expressed concerns about “suspicious flows” of funds through Binance Nigeria in 2023. CBN head Olayemi Cardoso highlighted that $26 billion had passed through Nigeria via Binance IN 2023 from unidentified sources and users.

There are also reports that the National Security Adviser (NSA)’s office has detained two senior Binance officials in Abuja as the nation looks to crack down on cryptocurrency exchanges to tame the speculation of the naira.

Local crypto analysts have expressed disappointment in the government’s crypto-unfriendly approach to resolving the nation’s foreign exchange challenge. A Nigerian crypto enthusiast said on X that the nation’s financial problems will persist if it continues antagonizing cryptocurrencies and failing to focus on manufacturing and exporting.

Cointelegraph has contacted Binance for comment.

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