TheCable

Zaphaniah Jisalo, minister of special duties and intergovernmental affairs, says the federal government is aware of the dichotomy of regulators in the gaming industry.

The minister spoke on Tuesday, at the 2nd edition of the biennial national gaming conference held by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) in Lagos.

Earlier in the month, a slight disagreement occurred between the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) over the licencing of betting companies.

Addressing the issue at the event, Jisalo said his ministry is aware of the revenue-related challenges facing federal and state regulators.

“We all know that Nigeria’s gaming industry has evolved tremendously as the world is now a Global Village,” he said.

“In light of this, I am using this occasion to address the issue of the dichotomy of regulators. Please note that the Federal Ministry of Special Duties is aware that the principal cause of friction between the federal and state regulators is revenue.

“However, we believe that all concerned can find mutual common ground for the good of stakeholders to enhance peace, harmony and progress.

“Therefore, the ministry suggests a ‘Shared-Value’ engagement to reach an amicable resolution of issues in the gaming sector rather than the ‘Jurisdictional Protection’ approach as the case is now.”

Jisalo said the federal government will make sure the gaming industry remains sustainable in the country.

“This conference is a further demonstration and commitment by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR with its Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance the federal government attaches to the gaming industry,” he said.

“The federal government will do all within its statutory powers to ensure the gaming industry remains on the steady path of sustainable growth and development.

“Furthermore, on this auspicious occasion, The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (FMSDIGA) would like to encourage all operators to remain compliant and all relevant agencies here present to strengthen your inter-agency collaborations to consolidate the progress made so far in taking the gaming industry to greater heights.”

The minister said the outcome of the conference would be strategic to strengthening the future of the gaming industry.