The International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration, has condemned the efforts of 21 state governors seeking the dissolution of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF). These governors have taken the matter to the Supreme Court, challenging the Federal Government’s management of the gaming and betting industry.
Executive Vice President for Africa Affairs at the Institute, Professor Tunji John Asaolu while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, criticized the governors for attempting to undermine a crucial federal revenue stream, noting that the lottery sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. He emphasized that the revenues generated by these agencies are shared across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on a monthly basis, benefitting the entire nation.
In contrast, 16 states have expressed their support for the federal government to continue collecting and distributing these funds.
“These federal agencies employ over 20,000 people and play a critical role in regulating the gaming industry,” Asaolu stated. “The National Assembly empowered the NLRC to ensure compliance in the sector, while the NLTF collects and allocates revenue for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
Asaolu further revealed that some lottery operators, many of whom are foreign-owned, have deliberately avoided paying their full dues to the government.
This he said prompted the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to introduce reforms aimed at automating the lottery revenue system to boost transparency and increase national income.
“Operators like BetNaija, owned by Russian entities, Ghana Games, and Baba Ijebu, owned by Australian interests, have failed to fully remit their revenues to the government,” Asaolu noted.
“The President’s push for automation will help curb these abuses and ensure that the sector contributes its fair share to the economy.”
Asaolu also raised concerns about reports that lottery operators have amassed 200 billion naira, allegedly stationed in Rwanda, in an attempt to influence the upcoming Supreme Court judgment.
However, he expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to resist any corrupt influence.
“The Supreme Court justices are people of high integrity who will not bow to any illicit pressure,” Asaolu said.
“We also recognize that these lottery operators are behind the 21 states’ legal action because they fear greater federal oversight and increased scrutiny from agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”
In addition to the push to scrap the lottery agencies, Asaolu pointed out that Kogi State and other states are also advocating for the dissolution of the EFCC, which has played a pivotal role in recovering billions of naira for the government.
He affirmed the institute’s trust in the Nigerian judiciary to rule fairly and in the public’s best interest.
“Just like oil revenues and VAT, lottery revenues should continue to be managed at the federal level for the benefit of all states,”
Asaolu concluded, while praising President Tinubu for his efforts in fighting corruption in the lottery sector through automation. “We stand firmly behind the President’s initiatives and are committed to supporting his administration to achieve the desired results for the nation.”