By Festus Fifen.

The Nigeria Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Lottery Regulatory Office (FCT-LRO) has said is set to harness the economic potential of the gaming sector for the development of the FCT, while pursuing the objective of enhancing the industry’s reputation.

The Director General of the FCT Lottery Regulatory office, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, who stated this in Abuja during a joint media briefing on the FCT-LRO’s official take off in Abuja said the move was in the wake of FCT Administration’s commencement of regulation and oversight of the gaming industry within the FCT, to put at ease existing operators domiciled in Abuja and also to prevent loss of revenue.

Mr. Gbajabiamila said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike issued a directive to commence the regulation and oversight of the gaming industry within the FCT.

Gbajabiamila explained that the decision arose as an aftermath of the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s landmark judgment in the case of AG Lagos & Ors Vs AG Federation & Anor SC/1/2008, which affirmed that the authority to regulate lottery and gaming activities within the FCT resides within the jurisdiction of the FCT Administration.

He aaded that the Office acknowledges the challenges that accompany regulatory transitions, and assured that the regulatory office remain fully committed to providing stability, clarity, and continuity in its approach.

Furthermore, he said the development will help to establish a robust and transparent regulatory framework for gaming activities in the FCT as well create an enabling environment that fosters investment, fair play, and responsible gaming.

Gbajabiamila assured that all gaming licenses and permits previously issued by the defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) remain valid and enforceable within the FCT for
the remaining term of the license or permit.

He added that the licensed operators would
continue to operate under the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office (FCT-LRO) without disruptions following this renewed mandate.

In his words, “We appeal to existing and intending operators to rest assured that this mandate aligns with the FCTA’s vision to harness the economic potential of the gaming sector for the development of the FCT, while pursuing the objective of enhancing the industry’s reputation.

“Moreover, this directive presents an invaluable opportunity for the FCT to utilise its gaming industry for economic growth and social benefits and the responsibility to collaborate closely with the office of the Honourable Minister and the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) to ensure proper regulatory oversight and effective gaming remittance within the industry.

“We recognise that this regulatory shift may provoke inquiries among stakeholders, and we encourage licensed operators to engage with us as we navigate this transition.

Our goal remains to ensure clarity, stability, and fairness while upholding global best practices in gaming regulation”, he stressed.

Also speaking, the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango opined gaming industry holds a lot of promise for attracting investment to the territory.

Ango reiterated that the initiative was in line with the vision of his Excellency the honorable Minister of the FCT to ensure that Abuja becomes the model capital city and a tourist destination.

“We are all aware Abuja is becoming a tourist destination. We believe that one of the attractions of cities such as ours is that people come here for leisure and I believe that the gaming industry holds a lot of promise for attracting investment into the FCT, that is the reason why we believe that this initiative is one that is for the overall benefit of the residents and the people of the FCT.

“We want to assure you that as we take off this initiative we will continue to brief you on progress, the FCT Lottery regulatory office is open for businesses and and we are using this opportunity to invite our operators and investors to do the needful.

“We are grateful to the Honorable Minister for his vision, foresight and support, and we want to pledge that we will surely reciprocate the confidence that he has put in both organizations to drive this course.”