By Adeola Badru

A global security expert and prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has raised alarms about the potential security risks stemming from the decentralisation of lottery regulation in Nigeria.

In a petition addressed to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and made available to Vanguard, Mumuni stated the need for a centralized regulatory framework following a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the National Lottery Act of 2005.

The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision, delivered last week Friday, declared that the National Assembly lacks the authority to legislate on matters concerning lotteries and games of chance, a conclusion reached after a lawsuit filed by Lagos and other states in 2008.

In his petition, titled, “Addressing Security Concerns Following Supreme Court Judgment on Lottery Regulatory Independence,” Mumuni outlined several critical concerns regarding state management of lotteries, particularly in the realm of online gaming.

The security expert, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of MorRich Lottery Limited and is part of the intelligence and security team for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, highlighted that the decentralisation of lottery regulation may lead to inconsistencies in Know Your Customer (KYC) processes across different states, making it easier for fraudsters to exploit gaps in oversight.

“Additionally, the proliferation of online lottery platforms increases the risk of cyber-attacks, especially if state governments implement insufficient security measures, leaving sensitive information and financial data vulnerable to cybercriminals,” Mumuni observed.

He further warned that without stringent regulatory oversight from the central government, state-managed lotteries could be exploited for money laundering activities, posing a threat to national security and financial integrity.

“The creation of a fragmented regulatory landscape may result in varying standards among states, complicating enforcement and compliance efforts, and potentially hindering the fight against organized crime and related threats.”

Mumuni urged the National Security Adviser to advocate a centralised approach to lottery regulation, which he said, would allow uniform KYC protocols, enhanced cybersecurity, and comprehensive anti-money laundering measures.

He suggested that collaborative efforts between the central government and key stakeholders are essential for addressing these pressing issues effectively.

Mumuni expressed concern that the Supreme Court’s ruling did not adequately address these security challenges, warning that this oversight could lead to significant future legal complications and undermine national security.