Lagos state regulator explains why state cooperation is leading a new era in Nigeria
Summary
Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) CEO Bashir Are says the rejection of the Central Gaming Bill and a 2024 Supreme Court ruling mean states — not the federal government — will lead gambling regulation in Nigeria. Lagos is pushing a reciprocity model so a licence granted in Lagos can be used across participating states, with licence fees shared between them.
Are highlights Nigeria’s youth-driven market and growing mobile penetration, noting rapid investor interest and plans for a transparent, business-friendly licensing process (he says licences can be issued within 30 days). Lagos aims to coordinate states to create a predictable environment that attracts operators and capital.
Key Points
- The Central Gaming Bill was rejected and is now considered defunct following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that states regulate lotteries and games of chance.
- Lagos proposes a reciprocity treaty between states: one licence usable across multiple states, with fees shared among them.
- LSLGA positions Lagos as a coordinator to make licensing faster and more transparent — licence issuance within 30 days is the stated goal.
- The regulator offers operator protections (assistance with banks, shielding from other agencies and local governments) and liberal tax terms to encourage investment.
- Nigeria’s gambling market is expanding rapidly, fuelled by a young population and mobile access — international investors already make up a large share of operators.
- If state cooperation continues, Nigeria could rival South Africa as Africa’s largest gambling market.
Context and relevance
This article matters to operators, investors and policymakers watching African gaming markets. The move from attempts at centralised oversight to state-led cooperation changes the regulatory landscape: it creates opportunities for multi-state roll-outs under a single licensing framework while preserving state autonomy.
For companies considering market entry, the Lagos approach signals faster licensing, clearer protections and the potential for a larger, harmonised market if other states sign up to reciprocity. It also reflects wider trends where subnational regulators in federations craft pragmatic solutions to attract investment while respecting constitutional limits.
Why should I read this?
Want the short version? The big federal takeover plan got knocked back, so states are doing the heavy lifting — and Lagos is trying to make that simple for operators. If you’re tracking expansion in Africa, this could speed up licences, investment and cross‑state operations. Worth a quick read to see how the rules are changing and where the money might flow next.