The Federal Capital Territory Administration has commenced regulation and oversight of the gaming industry within the FCT to put at ease existing operators domiciled in Abuja and prevent loss of revenue.
The Director General of the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office, Lanre Gbajabiamila, made the announcement during a joint news conference with the FCT Internal Revenue Service on the official take-off of the office in Abuja, on Wednesday.
The development follows a Supreme Court judgment in November 2024, 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 resided with the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Gbajabiamila explained that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, had issued the directive to commence the regulation and oversight of the gaming industry within the FCT.
He acknowledged the challenges that accompanied regulatory transitions, while however, assuring stakeholders that the regulatory office remained fully committed to providing stability, clarity, and continuity in its approach.
“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, to ensure proper regulatory oversight and effective gaming remittance within the industry.
“This development will help to establish a robust and transparent regulatory framework
for gaming activities in the FCT, as well as create an enabling environment that fosters investment, fair play, and responsible gaming,” he stated.
Gbajabiamila also stated that all gaming licences and permits previously issued by the defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission remained valid and enforceable within the FCT for the remaining term of the licence or permit.
He added that the licensed operators would continue to operate under the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office without disruptions following the renewed mandate.
“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,” Gbajabiamila said.
In his remarks, the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service, Mr Michael Ango, said the gaming industry holds a lot of promises for attracting investment to the territory.
Ango explained that the development was in line with the vision of the FCT minister, 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 business and and we are using this opportunity to invite our operators and investors to do the needful.
“We are grateful to the Honourable 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 organisations to drive this course,” he said.
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