FG, 25 states sign unified gaming framework to end industry chaos

2026-03-09 - 13:27

By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA — The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 25 states to streamline advertising and marketing practices in the lottery and gaming industry, aiming to end regulatory confusion and overlapping functions. The agreement, finalized on Monday, establishes a unified framework across the participating states, addressing the complexities of a sector regarded 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. By aligning federal oversight with state-level operations, the partnership seeks to eliminate the friction caused by the previous siloed regulatory approach. Director-General of ARCON, Olalekan Fadolapo, said the primary goal of the MoU is to create a coherent framework for the gaming sector, emphasizing constant stakeholder collaboration. He noted that the council identified critical touchpoints to ensure the system benefits both operators and the public. Fadolapo highlighted the economic importance of the move, especially in managing advertising challenges posed by new media and digital platforms. “As a federal agency with oversight powers, ARCON’s cooperation with the states is essential to sanitize the industry and protect the national economy,” he said. Echoing the sentiment, the Chairman of FSGRN and CEO of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, described the partnership as a practical demonstration of true federalism. He said the collaboration aligns with the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promoting synergy between federal and state entities. Are noted that since most gaming operators use television, radio, and digital platforms—all under federal advertising control—a formal partnership was necessary to maintain order in the industry. He added that similar collaborative frameworks exist in other federal systems, including the United States, Canada, and Switzerland. The signing of the MoU marks a major step toward a structured and transparent gaming environment, ensuring that marketing practices across the 25 states adhere to uniform standards of accountability.