Nigeria adopts unified gaming regulation, aligning federal and state oversight to enhance the sector’s contribution to the economy

The Federal Government and gaming regulators from 25 states have adopted a unified gaming regulation aimed at strengthening oversight of advertising, fostering collaboration among regulators, and enhancing the sector’s economic contribution.

Also read: Nigeria’s Economy Expands 4.07% in Q4 2025, Services Lead Growth

The announcement came on Monday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a unified regulatory framework across 25 member states.

The agreement seeks to address complexities in the gaming sector, which authorities classify as both critical and high-risk.

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) represented the states.

The Director-General of ARCON, Olalekan Fadolapo, stated that the MoU will create a coherent regulatory framework requiring sustained cooperation among stakeholders.

“There is a need for streamlining and aligning advertising regulation for the gaming and lottery sector. Each state has its own framework, and this MoU brings everything into a single system,” he said.

Fadolapo highlighted that the initiative will benefit operators and consumers alike, noting that a unified framework will prevent regulatory overlaps across traditional, broadcast, print, and digital media.

“If we allow all these things to be done in silos, it is going to create more problems. This framework ensures the sector is sanitised and contributes positively to the Nigerian economy,” he added.

Bashir Are, Chairman of FSGRN and CEO of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, described the partnership as a tangible example of true federalism.

He emphasised that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s policy of promoting collaboration between federal and state agencies.

“Since most gaming operators utilise television, radio and digital platforms – all under federal advertising control – a formal partnership was the logical step to ensure industry sanity,” Are said.

Also read: Africa Green Economy Summit 2026 Seeks $3.09bn Funding

Are also pointed to similar successful frameworks in federal systems such as the United States, Canada, and Switzerland, underscoring that Nigeria’s approach reflects international best practice.