The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially inaugurated the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office (FCT-LRO), marking a significant step towards formalizing and expanding the gaming industry within the territory. This move aims to increase the FCT’s internally generated revenue (IGR) while ensuring proper regulation and oversight of all lottery and gaming operations.
At a recent press briefing in Abuja, the newly appointed Director-General of the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office Lanre Gbajabiamila, announced that the office is now fully operational and ready to oversee the activities of lottery and gaming operators in the Federal Capital Territory. He encouraged operators to begin submitting applications for licenses, signaling the start of a more structured regulatory environment.
The establishment of the FCT-LRO follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling in the case of AG Lagos & Ors vs AG Federation & Anor SC/1/2008, which affirmed the constitutional right of the FCT to regulate gaming and lottery activities within its jurisdiction. This ruling laid the legal foundation for the creation of the regulatory office, further empowering the FCTA to control and oversee the gaming industry.
Gbajabiamila emphasized that the office’s top priorities would include working closely with the Office of the FCT Minister and the FCT Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure proper oversight, promote fair practices, and ensure the timely remittance of generated revenue. He stressed the importance of creating a regulatory framework that fosters clarity, stability, and adherence to international best practices, while unlocking the sector’s economic potential and boosting investor confidence.
“The FCT Lottery Regulatory Office is committed to creating an environment where gaming operators can thrive within a framework of transparency and responsibility,” Gbajabiamila said.
He also clarified that licenses previously issued by the now-defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) would remain valid until their expiration, with renewal fees to remain unchanged under the new regulatory regime.
In a related development, Michael Ango, the acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (IRS), praised the initiative as a strategic tool for economic growth in the territory. He noted that the gaming industry has enormous potential to drive investment, create jobs, and contribute to the broader vision of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to transform Abuja into a world-class capital city.
“Abuja is quickly becoming a prime tourist and leisure destination, and the gaming sector is a crucial part of that transformation. By attracting investments and boosting economic activity, we can ensure that the sector contributes meaningfully to our city’s development,” Ango stated.
He also highlighted that the collaboration between the FCT IRS and the FCT-LRO would help facilitate efficient revenue generation and encourage responsible gaming practices, benefiting both operators and the broader community.
With the official launch of the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office, the Federal Capital Territory Administration is set to provide the necessary regulatory framework to help operators flourish while ensuring the proper collection of gaming revenues, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of Abuja’s economy.
