Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has identified technology and the decentralisation of regulatory powers as critical to the development and growth of Nigeria’s gaming industry.
He made this assertion during the opening of the 2025 edition of the Enugu Gaming Conference, organised by the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission. The two-day conference, themed “From Unification to Diversification: Shaping Nigeria’s Gaming Future,” forms part of the state government’s broader agenda to expand and modernise the gaming sector.
Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Nathaniel Urama, highlighted the gaming industry’s transformative potential as a catalyst for job creation and economic development.
He commended the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission for organising the conference, noting its focus on transitioning from a centralised to a decentralised regulatory framework.
“Our administration is committed to revolutionising the gaming sector through technology, innovation, and robust regulation,” Mbah said.
“Over the past year, the Commission has taken significant strides in regulatory transformation. I am proud to report that we have invested in cutting-edge digital infrastructure aimed at raising the bar for regulatory excellence.”
At the centre of this effort, he noted, is the launch of an Automated License Verification and Operator Registration Portal—a secure, intelligent system that enables real-time tracking, licensing, and validation of gaming operators in the state.
“This innovation has drastically reduced manual interference, minimised the risk of fraud, and ensured greater compliance with our gaming laws,” he added.
Mbah also announced plans to introduce advanced technologies and launch public awareness campaigns to promote responsible gaming, protect vulnerable communities, and eliminate underage gambling across the state.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, Prince Arinze Arum, emphasised the rapidly evolving nature of the gaming industry.
“The Nigerian gaming industry is at a critical juncture,” he said.
“The conversation has shifted beyond enforcement and revenue generation. Now, it encompasses jurisdiction, innovation, technology, cross-border collaboration, and—most importantly—structure.”
Arum called for a decentralised regulatory framework that reflects local economic priorities and realities while ensuring synergy between state and federal regulatory bodies.
“Unification gave us a framework. Diversification now demands that we adapt that framework to suit local realities, economic priorities, and constitutional responsibilities,” he also stressed.
Also speaking at the event, the National Commissioner of the National Data Protection Commission, Mr. Vincent Olatunji—represented by Alexander Owen—highlighted the importance of privacy, security, and compliance in the evolving gaming landscape.
He advocated for robust age verification systems on gaming platforms to safeguard minors and stressed that data collection must be consensual and limited strictly to what is necessary for platform operations.
