Dike Onwuamaeze
Revitalizing the Gaming Landscape in FCT
In a **game-changing announcement**, the new Director General of the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office (FCT-LRO), Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, has confirmed that **licenses granted by the now-defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC)** will remain effective in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) until they reach their expiry dates. This move aims to bolster the gaming industry and provide much-needed **clarity** for operators in the region.
A New Era for Gaming Oversight
During the grand opening of the FCT-LRO’s office in Abuja this week, Gbajabiamila outlined a roadmap for the future of gaming regulation. **“The FCT-LRO is here to ensure stability and transparency** in all gaming operations,” he stated. He also expressed his concern over **Google Ads’ recent decision** to limit online advertising to operators recognized by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority—an action that Google has assured will be retracted.
Legal Backbone for Regulatory Authority
The establishment of the FCT-LRO comes on the heels of a pivotal Supreme Court ruling in the case of AG Lagos & Ors vs AG Federation & Anor SC/1/2008, which affirmed that the FCT holds the constitutional right to govern its own gaming and lottery activities. Gbajabiamila emphasized that this ruling **does not impose restrictions** on online operations for any licensee, paving the way for a **regulatory environment built on global best practices**.
Economic Development Through Gaming
Gbajabiamila reiterated the office’s commitment to **unlocking the economic potential** of the gaming sector. By fostering investor confidence and increasing internally generated revenue (IGR), the FCT-LRO aims to transform the gaming landscape. He elaborated, “Our top priorities include collaboration with the Office of the FCT Minister and the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) to ensure transparency and timely revenue remittance.”
Assurance for Current License Holders
Reassuring operators, Gbajabiamila affirmed that **all licenses previously issued by the NLRC** remain valid until their expiration dates. He also confirmed that renewal fees would stay consistent under the new regulatory framework, easing the transition for existing operators.
Government Support and Future Prospects
Mr. Michael Ango, Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT-IRS, echoed these sentiments, lauding the initiative as a strategic move towards **economic growth**. Ango highlighted the potential of Abuja as a **major tourist and leisure destination**, underscoring the gaming sector’s role in attracting investment, creating jobs, and boosting economic activity. He stressed that collaboration between the IRS and the FCT-LRO is key to cultivating a **responsible gaming environment** beneficial for both operators and citizens.
A Bold Leap into the Future
With this significant development, the FCT is poised to emerge as a **leading contender** in Nigeria’s gaming industry. The newly established FCT-LRO signifies a commitment to regulate, develop, and profit from a sector that has long been overlooked. The government’s proactive stance indicates that the **future of gaming in the FCT is bright**, filled with **opportunities for growth and investment**.
