The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) held a landmark meeting at the Radisson Hotel to discuss the Supreme Court’s pivotal judgment affirming state jurisdiction over gaming regulation. The decision, rendered in Attorney General of Lagos State & Ors. vs. Attorney General of the Federation & Ors., marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s federal structure, declaring gaming regulation a residual matter under state jurisdiction as per the Constitution.
The meeting brought together representatives from 24 member states, united in their commitment to leveraging the judgment to reform and harmonize Nigeria’s gaming sector.
Affirming Federalism and State Autonomy
In a statement, the FSGRN celebrated the ruling as a “watershed moment” for gaming regulation, reinforcing states’ constitutional autonomy. Mr. Olajide Boladuro, Director General of the Oyo State Gaming Board, praised the decision as a victory for federalism, noting, “The judiciary has empowered states to develop regulatory frameworks tailored to their unique cultural and economic landscapes.”
A Call for Collaboration and Innovation
Several speakers emphasized the necessity of inter-state cooperation. Mr. Prince Imuomuen from Edo State highlighted the opportunity to harmonize regulatory efforts, ensuring clear guidelines for operators and better protection for residents. Similarly, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority CEO and FSGRN Chairman, Mr. Bashir Are, underscored the ruling’s economic potential, stating, “This decision provides fertile ground for innovation, responsible gambling, and job creation in gaming technology and entertainment.”
Capacity Building and Digital Transformation
Other representatives stressed the importance of institutional development and technological advancement. Enugu State’s Mr. Nosike Nwaemeka called for investments in capacity building to maximize the ruling’s potential. Meanwhile, Imo State’s Mr. Uche Ngonebu advocated for robust digital systems to position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s gaming regulatory space.
Launch of Universal Reciprocity License Regime
A major highlight of the meeting was the FSGRN’s announcement of the Universal Reciprocity License (URL) Regime. Developed in partnership with Deloitte, the URL system will streamline licensing across member states while preserving state autonomy. Effective December 1, 2024, the regime aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enhance industry credibility.
Mr. Are described the URL system as a transformative milestone. “This standardized yet flexible licensing ecosystem will enhance industry transparency, drive growth, and set a new benchmark for gaming regulation in Nigeria,” he said.
Commitment to Stakeholder Collaboration
The Federation reaffirmed its dedication to partnering with federal agencies, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), to align gaming regulations with national policies while respecting state autonomy.
Mr. Tanko Abdullahi of Nasarawa State emphasized the judgment’s significance for traditionally conservative regions, enabling tailored regulatory approaches that reflect local values. Cross River State’s Mr. Michael Eja encouraged non-member states to join FSGRN, fostering a unified approach to gaming regulation.
Next Steps
The FSGRN plans to convene a larger stakeholder meeting to address the practical implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment. The Federation also reiterated its openness to collaborating with all states to ensure Nigeria remains a leader in Africa’s gaming landscape.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s gaming industry,” concluded Mr. Are. “With unity and resolve, we will uphold high regulatory standards, enhance revenue, and protect residents from illegal gaming activities.”
The FSGRN’s efforts mark a significant step toward transforming Nigerian betting sites and the gaming sector into a robust and sustainable contributor to the national economy.
