NLRC urges states to combat illegal lottery operators
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission has urged state lottery regulatory agencies to join forces in a concerted effort to clean up Nigeria’s lottery ecosystem.
This call has come in the wake of a recent crackdown on illegal lottery operators in Lagos and Ibadan, which encountered resistance and harassment from the Commission’s staff.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director General of the NLRC, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, emphasised the need for collaboration between federal and state regulators to address the growing issue of illegal operations within the industry.
He noted that the lottery industry in Nigeria has expanded beyond the capacity of state-level control, making federal oversight essential.
“Despite the harassment of members of our staff, we are calling on all States Lottery Boards to collaborate with the NLRC in eradicating unlicensed and illegal operations from the industry,” Gbajabiamila said.
“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,” he added.
The NLRC recently conducted operations targeting establishments engaged in unauthorised online sports betting and online casino activities in Ibadan and Lagos, leading to the shutdown of several illegal outfits.
Key areas in Lagos, including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, and Egbeda, were affected by the crackdown.
Gbajabiamila stressed that cooperation from both state agencies and operators is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the sector.
“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,” he added.
He noted that in the aftermath of the crackdown, some operators have committed to regularising their operations in compliance with NLRC regulations, indicating a willingness to adhere to the legal framework governing the lottery and gaming industry in Nigeria.
