By Remi Johnson
A new era in the gaming and lottery industry has begun in Abuja with the establishment of the Federal Capital Territory Lottery Regulatory Office (FCT-LRO) to harness the sector’s potential.
The office is tasked with overseeing gaming operations and ensuring compliance with international best practices, in collaboration with the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS).
This move follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling in AG Lagos & Ors vs. AG Federation & Anor SC/1/2008, which granted the FCTA exclusive jurisdiction to regulate lottery and gaming activities within the FCT.
Speaking during a joint briefing in Abuja, the Director General of the FCT-LRO, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila who hailed the initiative as a strategic step toward economic revitalization and enhanced regulatory oversight, noted that underage gambling will not be tolerated.
He commended the Minister of the FCT, Dr. Nyesom Wike, for initiating the directive and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fostering a well-regulated, transparent, and investor-friendly gaming environment.
“This is a pivotal moment in the FCT gaming and lottery sector. This initiative reflects the FCTA’s determination to harness the economic potential of the gaming industry while ensuring operators are provided with clarity, continuity, and stability,” Gbajabiamila said.
He added that the office is mandated to collaborate with the FCT Minister’s office and the FCT-IRS to ensure transparent, fair, and responsible gaming that encourages investment, with a view to boosting the FCT’s economic growth and internally generated revenue.
Gbajabiamila reassured existing operators that licenses and permits issued by the now-defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission remain valid within the FCT for their existing terms, and that those operators will continue under the FCT-LRO’s supervision without disruption.
“We understand that regulatory transitions often bring concerns,” he said. “We urge stakeholders to partner with us in ensuring a smooth transition. Our goal is to uphold global standards while positioning the FCT as a hub for responsible and profitable gaming.”
According to Gbajabiamila, the FCT-LRO is now accepting applications from prospective operators seeking new gaming licenses, promising a streamlined, transparent, and business-friendly application process.
Reinforcing the economic dimension of the initiative, Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, emphasized the sector’s role in revenue generation, tourism, and investment attraction.
“Abuja is evolving into a prominent tourist destination. The gaming sector can be a key catalyst in this transformation by attracting leisure-driven investment and increasing our internally generated revenue,” Ango said.
Ango added that the FCT-IRS will ensure strict compliance with tax regulations and is working to implement measures that prevent underage gambling through mandatory identity verification systems.
“Operators must verify the identity of all participants. Any failure to comply, especially in protecting minors, will attract severe penalties,” he warned.
Ango further called upon stakeholders to support the initiative, comply with the new regulations, and collaborate with the regulatory authorities to make the FCT a benchmark for gaming governance in Nigeria.