Olabimpe Akingba on the Evolving Gaming Regulation Landscape in Nigeria

In a candid and insightful discussion with iGaming AFRIKA during the second edition of the African Gaming Expo (AGE) in Lagos, Nigeria, Olabimpe Akingba, Regional Manager for Africa at betPawa, shared insights on the evolving gaming regulation landscape in Nigeria.

Reflecting on betPawa’s recent expansion, Akingba noted that “From last year that I joined till now, we’ve actually launched in seven other African countries.” This rapid expansion, however, hasn’t been about numbers alone. For Akingba, it’s also about providing “good products, responsible products to customers and fostering partnerships, ”that align with long-term goals and community needs.

But with growth comes complexity, especially in Africa’s fragmented regulatory environment. Each country presents its own legal landscape, making compliance a strategic necessity. “There’s the issue around diverse regulations. Because in Africa, we don’t have like uniform kind of regulations, so we have independent countries who have the right to make their laws as they deem fit. So, regulations clearly are what anyone looking to expand should look into,” she noted.

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While discussing the evolving regulatory landscape in Nigeria, Olabimpe Akingba provided a thoughtful analysis on the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling that grants states authority to regulate gaming within their borders. Drawing from her previous role as Executive Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers, Olabimpe explained, “So the Supreme Court judgment is a good one in this sense. I say it’s a good one because it at least gives clarity. I’m not saying it is without its challenge. I’m just saying a good one in the sense that at least there is now a judgment from the apex court of the land to say, this is what this should be based on what the Constitution provides.” This decision, she noted, brings clarity and could help reduce the burden of double taxation, a major issue for operators managing both online and retail platforms.

Still, the ruling brings new layers of complexity, particularly for online operators now facing state-level oversight. The solution, Akingba believes, lies in collaboration. “State regulators are talking about a uniform license, which is a good thing,” she said, voicing support for a system that mirrors the federal model and prevents unnecessary duplication.