The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated the FCT Lottery Regulatory Commission and called on lottery and gaming operators to submit applications for licenses to operate in the territory.
Director-General of the Commission, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, disclosed this during a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
Gbajabiamila said that the establishment of the commission followed a directive from the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, aimed at ensuring proper regulation and oversight of the gaming sector within the territory.
He said that the directive was in line with the recent Supreme Court judgment which affirmed that the FCT administration had the legal authority to regulate lottery and gaming activities within its jurisdiction.
He assured stakeholders of a stable regulatory environment, adding that the commission is committed to clarity, continuity, and global best practices in the sector.
According to him, the initiative was designed to harness the economic potential of the gaming industry, enhance its reputation, and strengthen internally generated revenue for the FCT.
Gbajabiamila outlined key priorities of the commission, which included collaborating with the Office of the FCT Minister and FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) for effective regulatory oversight and revenue remittance.
He said that establishing a robust and transparent regulatory framework and creating an enabling environment for investment and responsible gaming, ensuring fairness, investor confidence, and regulatory excellence were also part of its priorities.
The Director-General said that all existing licenses issued by the defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) remained valid for their duration and would be recognised under the new FCT regulatory framework.
“All licensed operators will now operate under the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office (FCT-LRO) without disruption,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to engage constructively with the commission during the transition period.
Gbajabiamila also invited new investors and prospective operators to apply for FCT gaming licenses, promising a transparent and investor-friendly licensing process.
He said that the move had the full backing of the FCT minister, and was expected to contribute significantly to the territory’s economic development and governance standards.
“We appeal to all stakeholders for cooperation, compliance, and support as we work towards building a sustainable and inclusive gaming industry in the FCT,” he said.
Mr Michael Ango, Acting Executive Chairman, FCT-IRS, explained that the collaboration with the FCT lottery commission to regulate the gaming industry was aimed at enhancing revenue generation for the territory.
Ango said the initiative, which aligned with the vision of the FCT minister, was to position Abuja as a global capital city.
“As we are all aware, Abuja is increasingly becoming a tourist destination for people from across the world.
“One of the key attractions of cities like Abuja is leisure, and we believe that the gaming industry holds immense potential in drawing investments into the FCT,” he said.
Ango said that the initiative would bring benefits to residents by creating jobs, stimulating economic activities, and boosting internally generated revenue.
“The collaboration is ultimately for the overall benefit of the people and residents of Abuja,” he said.
(NAN)
