President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on members of the Nigerian judiciary to enhance their understanding of cryptocurrencies and emerging digital financial technologies, emphasizing that such knowledge is now essential in effectively combating modern economic and financial crimes.
The President made the remarks while delivering his keynote address at the 7th EFCC-NJI Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges, held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja. The event, themed “Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes,” was organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in collaboration with the NJI.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu said the rapid evolution of technology and the growing use of digital currencies have created new opportunities for both innovation and illicit financial activities. He stressed that the judiciary must stay informed and adaptable to ensure that justice delivery keeps pace with global financial realities.
“The world of finance is changing rapidly, and so are the methods used to commit economic crimes,” Tinubu stated. “Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology have redefined global transactions, and we must equip our judiciary with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand and adjudicate cases involving these technologies.”
The President noted that crypto-related crimes, cyber fraud, and digital money laundering are becoming increasingly complex, requiring legal practitioners and judges to be well-versed in the digital economy. He urged judicial institutions to integrate financial technology (fintech) education and cryptocurrency literacy into their training programs to ensure accurate interpretation and enforcement of relevant laws.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the institutional and operational capacity of the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies to address both traditional and emerging financial crimes.
“Our administration remains determined to build a justice system that is not only fair and firm but also forward-looking,” he added. “We must bridge the knowledge gap between technology and the law to ensure that no crime goes unpunished simply because it was committed in a digital space.”
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, in his address, echoed the President’s call, noting that the rise of cryptocurrency-based transactions has made financial crime investigations more sophisticated. He pledged continued collaboration with the judiciary to develop specialized training programs on digital forensics, blockchain analysis, and cybercrime prosecution.
The workshop brought together justices, judges, prosecutors, and anti-corruption experts to discuss the evolving nature of financial crimes and the need for judicial adaptation in an increasingly digital world.
Analysts say Tinubu’s call marks a significant step toward aligning Nigeria’s justice system with the realities of the global financial ecosystem, where digital literacy is becoming a vital tool in safeguarding economic integrity.
