By Theodore Opara

In order to continually carry stakeholders along while discharging its mandate as the regulatory agency for the gaming and lottery industry in the country, the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), has successfully hosted the 2024 stakeholders meeting in Lagos, which started yesterday, November 11, 2024.

Among those who attended the event was the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Zaphaniah Jisalo, commended the NLRC for its regulatory functions and contribution to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

“The NLRC is doing very well, if they are not doing well, I will not be here. And we are giving them all the necessary support from the ministry “, the Minister said.

The Director General of the NLRC, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, while addressing the stakeholders including industry operators, stated that the commission will continue to engage relevant stakeholders.

According the DG, the theme for this year’s stakeholders meeting which is ‘Strengthening Partnerships for Responsible Gaming and National Development’, “encapsulates our ongoing commitment to not only regulate, but also to promote the benefits of a well-organized, ethical, and transparent gaming sector.

“The significance of responsible gaming, both in safeguarding the interests of our citizens and in contributing to Nigeria’s socioeconomic goals, cannot be overemphasized. It is through collaboration that we aim to achieve a robust balance between growth and social responsibility”.

He added that the “insights and presentations will provide essential perspectives on regulatory advancements, sustainable practices, and collaborative initiatives aimed at building a gaming industry that Nigerians can trust and contributes meaningfully to our economy.

“Core issues about cyber security, data protection drive, advertising in gaming and many other related topics will be addressed in this meeting”.

The DG explained that “today’s agenda is designed not only to inspire but also to educate. We will explore best practices, discuss avenues for growth, and, most importantly, strengthen the bonds that unite us in our mission to uphold transparency, accountability, and sustainability”.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Lottery Trust Fund, (NLTF), Comrade Toyin Adeyanju, in his submission, advised operators to always make accurate remittances to the fund, so it can expand its projects across the country.

Also in attendance was the Permanent Secretary, federal ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental affairs, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, who while commending the NLRC, said “your individual and collective tireless efforts and sacrifices in ensuring that the NLRC remains a beacon of excellence in Nigeria is highly commendable”.

Aside the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Governmental Affairs, Hon. Hon. Candice Moore Nwachukwu, who also commended the NLRC, and pledged to cooperate with the commission, different presentations were made by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Special Control Unit against Money Laundry (SCUML), Nigeria National Patronage Cash Reward Programme (NNPCR), as well as the Chairman, Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms (FPTR) among others.

In their different responses, stakeholders present commended the NLRC for its steadfast efforts in repositioning the commission.