The Director General of the Nigerian National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila has appealed to Ghana to collaborate with Nigeria to lead the way in building a strong regional gaming market within the West African sub-region.
According to him, efforts in this regard should focus on creating one huge gaming market that will benefit all countries within the sub-region. Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila noted that building a vibrant gaming market should be guided by an agreement that would bind all participating countries.
Mr. Gbajabiamila made the call in Abuja when the Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) of Ghana, Mr. Samuel Awuku paid him a courtesy call.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gbajabiamila appealed to the NLA to ensure participation of the Ghanaian gaming public in the Nigerian National Game (NNG). The Director General sought Ghana’s participation ahead of its planned roll out before the end of 2021.
Moreover, Mr. Gbajabiamila stated that Ghana’s participation in the NNG would shore up revenue for Ghana as well as for the Government of Nigeria.
Beginning of a good working relationship
Speaking on the significance of the visit, Mr. Gbajabiamila thanked Mr. Awuku for deeming it fit to pay him a courtesy visit. He indicated that it marked the beginning of better working relationship of mutual benefit to both countries. Also, he expressed optimism that it will shape and strengthen the collaborations between the two countries in gaming-related matters.
Meanwhile, on his part, Mr. Samuel Awuku said his team was in Nigeria for two main reasons. First, to introduce the Authority as a colleague of the NLRC in lottery regulations. The second mission is to figure out how to develop a win-win friendship and working collaborations with Nigeria.
Moreover, he said his agency had already spoken to Nigerian lottery operators and players on the use of the Ghana game. This is intended to help identify better ways of creating benefit for Nigeria and Ghana.
However, Mr. Gbajabiamila indicated that the National Lottery Regulatory Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was unaware of the visit. As such, he advised that going forward, it is important for the NLA of Ghana to deal directly with the NLRC as the only Regulator of Lotteries and Gaming in Nigeria.
Invitation to 60th Anniversary of Ghana Game 2022
Nevertheless, Mr. Awuku averred that his Authority recognizes the place of the NLRC as a very key stakeholder in the Nigerian lottery industry. As such, his outfit cannot overlook its role in the industry.
“The regulator is the biggest elephant in the room, the one that says what works or what does not. Therefore, we need your support in achieving our dreams of better collaborations with the operators and Nigerian gaming stakeholders”.
Mr. Awuku
Furthermore, Mr. Awuku harped on the credibility of the Ghana game, adding that Nigeria was invited to the 60th anniversary of the Ghana game in 2022. Ghana has identified gaming as one of the potential sources of revenues that is untapped. As such, the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Gaming Commission are currently collaborating to improve revenue collection in the sector.
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