Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Abuja

The International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration has expressed strong disapproval regarding certain governors’ attempts to shut down the National Lottery Commission, labeling the initiative as fundamentally misguided. The organization cautioned that dismantling the commission could not only harm Nigeria’s economic interests but also result in approximately 20,000 Nigerians entering the unemployment market.

In a recent conversation with journalists, Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, the Executive Vice President for Africa Affairs at the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration, voiced his concerns about the significance of federal institutions in Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development. Established by an Act of the National Assembly, the National Lottery Commission is tasked with regulating the betting and gaming sector, while the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund gathers revenue for the federal government, aimed at benefiting the citizens.

Currently, about 21 state Attorneys General have approached the Supreme Court to request the dissolution of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund. In contrast, 16 states advocate for the federal government’s continued revenue collection, as this revenue is shared among all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on a monthly basis.

Asaolu emphasized the importance of the Lottery Commission in generating revenue for the country, highlighting how funds from this sector are utilized for the public good. He noted, “It is crucial to understand that the federal government, through the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, distributes its generated revenue to the 36 states and the FCT each month.”

He pointed out that many states in Nigeria rely heavily on federal allocations to manage their affairs, as internally generated revenue in non-oil-producing states is often insufficient to support efforts in infrastructure and social development.

Asaolu warned that more than 20,000 federal government employees currently working for the affected agencies would face job losses if these entities were shut down. He further accused those advocating for the lottery commission’s closure of being influenced by external sponsors and alleged that some foreign operators in the betting industry frequently shortchange the federal government.

“In recent years, lottery operators have intentionally underreported their revenue, neglecting to remit the required 27.5% and 25% to the government. Therefore, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has taken decisive steps to automate revenue collection in the lottery sector. This could significantly enhance the country’s revenue base from the betting and gaming industry,” Asaolu explained.

He also pointed out that companies like BetNaija, owned by the Russian government, Ghana Games, associated with the Ghanaian government, and Baba Ijebu, linked to the Australian government, are not pleased with the federal government’s regulations and the lack of unrestricted access to the Nigerian market. Additionally, he mentioned that some operators are concerned about the oversight from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission regarding their adherence to regulatory requirements.