We’ve encouraged operators of gaming machine to assemble in Nigeria — Lagos govt

The Lagos State Government has said that operators of gaming machines are encouraged to assemble their products in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, Bashir Are, disclosed this to Tribune Online while speaking about the 2025 African Gaming Expo scheduled for February in Lagos.

Bashir stated that people will be able to learn and apply reverse engineering for production purposes.

He also noted that the state government financially supports Nigerian youths with innovative abilities every year in areas such as sports, entertainment, and other creative sectors

“In the gaming machine sector, we have encouraged operators to come and assemble their machines in Nigeria.

“People are able to learn and use reverse engineering to produce these machines.

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“In previous years, the Lagos State Government supported Nigerian youths financially to enhance their creative abilities,” he said.

Speaking on the Expo, the Chief Executive Officer of African Gaming Expo, Charles Ekundayo, said about 33 countries are expected at the event, tagged Transforming Africa’s Gaming and Fintech Market with AI. He noted that over 500 delegates have already registered.

Ekundayo described the event as a platform for regulators, operators, and stakeholders in the gaming sector.

“About 33 countries will be present, and we already have over 500 delegates. The Expo aims to promote the industry and standardize it for global competitiveness.

“The African Gaming Expo is an annual event for gaming regulators, operators, and the entire value chain. It provides an avenue for the industry to come together,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers, Sheriff Olaniyan, dismissed claims about operators not remitting their dues.

Olaniyan described the operating license as the “constitution” for every operator, adding that the gaming industry in Nigeria is less than 15 years old.

“If we are talking about people not remitting, we hardly see that happen nowadays compared to the past.

“Every operator tries to comply with the rules in their license. The industry is still relatively new, as we are less than 15 years old,” he said.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE