Federation Of State Gaming Regulators Of Nigeria (Fsgrn) Meets To Discuss Supreme Court Judgment Affirming State Jurisdiction Over Gaming Regulation
On November 28, 2024, the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) convened a landmark meeting at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, to deliberate on the recent Supreme Court ruling in Suit No. SC/1/2008, Attorney General of Lagos State & Ors. vs. Attorney General of the Federation & Ors.
This monumental judgment invalidated the National Lottery Act’s claim to regulate gaming and lotteries across Nigeria, affirming instead that gaming regulation is a residual matter under state jurisdiction, as enshrined in the Constitution.
The meeting, attended by representatives from 24 member states, was heralded as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s federal system. In a statement released after the session, the FSGRN described the ruling as a definitive affirmation of states’ constitutional autonomy and a watershed moment for gaming regulation.
Mr. Olajide Boladuro, Director General of the Oyo State Gaming Board, lauded the judgment as a victory for federalism, stating, “This is a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure. By reaffirming that gaming regulation resides within state jurisdictions, the judiciary has empowered states to develop frameworks tailored to their unique cultural and economic landscapes. This is a triumph for constitutional clarity.”
From Edo State, Mr. Prince Imuomuen underscored the necessity of inter-state collaboration. “This judgment offers a historic opportunity to harmonize regulatory efforts. Through synergy, states can ensure operators have clear guidelines and residents are better protected. FSGRN is committed to fostering partnerships that uphold the highest standards,” he remarked.
Mr. Bashir Are, CEO of Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) and Chairman of FSGRN, emphasized the economic opportunities this ruling unlocks. “The Supreme Court’s decision provides a fertile ground for innovation, responsible gambling, and job creation in gaming technology, game development, and entertainment. Our mission is to transform Nigerian youths from being passive participants to active creators in a thriving gaming ecosystem,” Mr. Are stated.
Representing Enugu State, Mr. Nosike Nwaemeka highlighted the importance of capacity building. “To maximize the potential of this judgment, we must strengthen our institutions, invest in capacity building, and adopt best practices. Collaboration is key, not just among states but also with stakeholders, to drive social responsibility and attract investment,” he said.
From Ondo State, Mr. Akinroluye Olajide, Chairman of the Ondo State Lotteries Regulatory Commission, stressed inclusive engagement with operators. “This ruling enables us to sanitize the industry by integrating willing operators into a legitimate framework. A collaborative approach ensures a sustainable and thriving gaming sector for all,” he noted.
Representing Imo State, Mr. Uche Ngonebu, General Manager of the Imo State Gaming Commission, called for technological innovation in regulation. “The future of gaming regulation lies in robust digital systems. By integrating technology into monitoring and compliance, we position ourselves as leaders in Africa’s gaming regulatory space,” he emphasized.
From Cross River State, Mr. Micheal Eja, Director General of the Cross River State Gaming Commission, invited non-member states to join FSGRN. “This is a unique opportunity to build a unified approach to gaming regulation. We encourage other states to join this Federation and benefit from shared resources and expertise,” he said.
The FSGRN reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Universal Reciprocity License (URL) Regime, a groundbreaking initiative developed in partnership with Deloitte over the past two years. This innovative system has been designed to streamline licensing processes across member states, enabling operators to function seamlessly while preserving the autonomy of respective states.
Mr. Bashir Are, expressed confidence in the system, stating, “The Universal Reciprocity License Regime reflects our dedication to building a gaming industry where operators face reduced bureaucratic hurdles while ensuring compliance with global best practices and standards. Deloitte’s expertise has been instrumental in crafting a solution that meets the unique needs of our federation as a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO)”
The FSGRN announced that the URL system will be fully operational from December 1, 2024. Mr. Are emphasized the Federation’s readiness to enforce the regime, highlighting its potential to foster a more efficient and transparent gaming industry.
“With the URL regime, we are creating a standardized yet flexible licensing ecosystem that will enhance industry credibility, reduce operational bottlenecks, and drive growth in respective states. This system is a significant milestone, and we are confident it will set a new benchmark for gaming regulation in Nigeria,” he concluded.
The Federation urged operators to transition into the new system promptly, reiterating its commitment to assisting stakeholders through the compliance process while ensuring that states retain their regulatory independence within the unified framework.
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Adding to the discourse, Mr. Kayode Balogun, Head of Pools and Betting at Ogun State Internal Revenue Service, celebrated the judgment as a foundation for policy innovation. “This ruling reinforces our ability to implement localized policies that balance economic growth with social welfare. The gaming industry’s potential is vast, and we are determined to unlock it responsibly,” he affirmed.
Mr. Tanko Abdullahi, a representative from Nasarawa State, called attention to the judgment’s significance for traditionally conservative regions. “This decision empowers us to regulate gaming in a way that reflects our values. Collaborative efforts will ensure the gaming industry evolves responsibly nationwide,” he said.
The Federation reiterated its commitment to partnering with federal agencies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). These collaborations aim to ensure that gaming regulations align with national policies while respecting state autonomy. FSGRN already maintains a strong partnership with SCUML of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) division.
Concluding the meeting, Mr. Are expressed optimism, stating, “This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s gaming industry. With a united resolve, we will strengthen high regulatory standards, enhance revenue, and protect residents from illegal gaming activities. FSGRN is committed to driving the sector forward as a key economic contributor.”
The FSGRN announced plans to convene a larger stakeholder meeting to address the practical aspects of implementing the judgment. The FSGR reassured the public of its dedication to upholding the judiciary’s decision, maintaining high regulatory standards, and driving the gaming industry’s growth as a key economic contributor.
The Federation reiterated its openness to all states interested in joining the collaborative effort to ensure Nigeria remains a leader in Africa’s gaming landscape.
“Long live Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement concluded.
SIGNED:
Mr. Bashir Are,
Chairman, Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN)
