By Cross Udo, Abuja
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) has called on state lottery regulatory agencies to close ranks to sanitise the Nigerian lottery ecosystem for seamless and more transparent activities.
The Director-General of the Commission, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, called on the heels of the Commission’s recent crackdown in Lagos and Ibadan, where some challenges marred the exercise.
Disturbed by the harassment faced by NLRC staff while performing their duties, Gbajabiamila urged state regulators to support the federal government in combating illegal activities within the industry.
He said, “Despite the harassment of staff members, we are calling on all States Lottery Boards to collaborate with the NLRC in eradicating unlicensed and illegal operations from the industry.
“The lottery industry has continued to grow beyond state-level control, and only the Federal Government, with its broader resources, can effectively address international infiltrations and ensure the industry’s integrity.
“We urge all state agencies and operators within the gaming industry to ensure full cooperation with the NLRC’s regulatory framework. Securing the necessary licenses and operating within the law is not just a requirement; it is a collective responsibility to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s gaming sector.
“Together, we can build a transparent and lawful gaming industry that benefits all,” Gbajabiamila said.
The exercise in Ibadan and Lagos targeted several establishments engaged in unauthorised online sports betting and online casino activities, and the Commission promptly shut them down.
In response to these actions, some operators have pledged to align their operations with NLRC regulations, demonstrating a willingness to regularize their activities and adhere to the legal framework set by the Commission.
The crackdown extended across critical areas in Lagos, including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, and Egbeda, where additional closures were carried out.
