Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office and is calling on lottery and gaming operators to submit applications for licenses to operate within the territory. Director-General of the office, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, revealed this development during a news conference held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Gbajabiamila announced that the establishment of the office follows a directive from the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike. This initiative aims to ensure proper regulation and oversight of the gaming sector within the territory. The directive aligns with a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the FCT administration’s legal authority to regulate lottery and gaming activities within its jurisdiction.
Mr. Gbajabiamila assured stakeholders of a stable regulatory environment, committing to clarity, continuity, and global best practices in the sector. He stated that the initiative is designed to harness the economic potential of the gaming industry, enhance its reputation, and strengthen internally generated revenue for the FCT. Key priorities outlined by the commission include collaboration with the Office of the FCT Minister and the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) for effective regulatory oversight and revenue remittance.
The Director-General emphasized the establishment of a robust and transparent regulatory framework. The office aims to create an enabling environment for investment and responsible gaming, ensuring fairness, investor confidence, and regulatory excellence. Existing licenses issued by the defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) will remain valid under the new FCT regulatory framework, allowing licensed operators to continue operations without disruption.
Mr. Gbajabiamila urged stakeholders to engage constructively with the commission during the transition period and invited new investors and prospective operators to apply for FCT gaming licenses. He promised a transparent and investor-friendly licensing process, noting that the move has the full backing of the FCT Minister and is expected to contribute significantly to the territory’s economic development and governance standards.
Mr. Michael Ango, Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, explained that the collaboration with the FCT Lottery Commission aims to enhance revenue generation for the territory. He stated that the initiative aligns with the vision of the FCT Minister to position Abuja as a global capital city. Mr. Ango highlighted that Abuja is becoming a tourist destination and that the gaming industry holds significant potential for attracting investments into the FCT.
Mr. Ango further noted that the initiative would benefit residents by creating jobs, stimulating economic activities, and boosting internally generated revenue. He concluded that the collaboration is ultimately for the overall benefit of the people and residents of Abuja.