By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said that tougher sanctions await any gaming operators found to be allowing underage and students players within the territory.
It also warned the operators against involvement in any forms of irregularities.
The warning was made known by the Director General, FCT Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lanre Gbajabiamila during a press briefing jointly organised by the Commission and FCT-IRS in Abuja.
Gbajabiamila, while appreciating the efforts of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for the introduction of the new framework assured all operators with the former licences their would not be hampered until the expiration of such licences.
He disclosed that the Commission would restrategise with the change as operators and players will be build in line with the laws.
Meanwhile, for proper operations, the FCT Lottery Regulatory Commission is collaborating with the FCT Internal Revenues Service FCT- IRS.
Also speaking, Michael Ango, acting Chairman, FCT – IRS also appreciated the FCT Minister, for taking the initiative to issue a directive to “commence the regulation and oversight of the gaming industry within the FCT to put at ease existing operators domiciled in Abuja and prevent loss of revenue.”
“This decision arose as an aftermath of the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s landmark judgment in the case of AG Lagos & Ors Vs AG Federation & Anor SC/1/2008, which affirmed that the authority to regulate lottery and gaming activities within the FCT resides within the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory Administration,” he saud.
He said the Service remained “fully committed to providing stability, clarity, and continuity in our regulatory approach.”
He appealed to existing and intending operators to be rest assured that this mandate aligns with the FCTA’s vision to harness the economic potential of the gaming sector for the development of the FCT, while pursuing the objective of enhancing the industry’s reputation.
He also assured that the Service would effectively utilise its gaming industry for the economic growth and social benefits and to collaborate closely with the office of the Minister.
He also assured that the FCT-IRS would provide proper regulatory oversight and effective gaming remittance within the industry, establish a robust and transparent regulatory framework for gaming activities in the FCT, create an enabling environment that would foster investment, fair play, and responsible gaming. “Strengthen mechanisms for revenue generation, ensuring that the gaming sector contributes significantly to the economic development of the FCT.”
He also appealed to stakeholders seeking new opportunities in the gaming industry to open for business, and all prospective operators wishing to obtain an FCT Gaming License are invited to submit their applications.
“ We are always very passionate about that( children and students).
Now, there’s zero tolerance, in line with global best practices. You cannot have school children betting. We don’t entertain that.”