Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a gaming industry anchored in growth, effective regulation, compliance, and player protection, stressing that economic expansion, responsible business practices, and public interest must go hand in hand.
The Governor stated this on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the 7th Annual Stakeholders’ Interactive Forum organised by the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, Governor Makinde commended the Board for sustaining a platform that brings together government, regulators, operators, and other stakeholders to address industry challenges and opportunities.
He noted that technological innovations, including online platforms and mobile applications, have transformed the gaming landscape, creating new opportunities for growth while increasing the need for effective regulation and consumer protection.
According to the Governor, a well-regulated gaming industry can contribute significantly to economic development through investment, job creation, innovation, and revenue generation.
“Our position as a government is clear. Economic growth must be encouraged, businesses must be allowed to thrive within the law, and the interests of the public must remain protected. These objectives are essential to building an industry that is productive, responsible, and sustainable,” he said.
Governor Makinde described the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board as a critical institution for ensuring industry stability through effective oversight, enforcement of licensing requirements, and action against illegal operators.
He stressed that regulation must remain fair, transparent, and consistent, adding that government’s objective is not to create obstacles for legitimate businesses but to promote orderly growth and accountability within the industry.
The Governor urged the Board to continue strengthening its regulatory capacity, deepen engagement with operators, and deploy modern technology to improve monitoring and compliance.
He also called on operators to view compliance as an integral part of responsible business practice, stressing the need to maintain valid licences, meet tax and levy obligations, keep accurate records, and comply with all regulatory requirements.
Governor Makinde warned that illegal operations and non-compliance undermine industry credibility, weaken oversight, encourage unfair competition, and reduce government revenue.
He further emphasised the importance of responsible gaming practices, including measures to protect vulnerable persons and prevent underage participation. He added that while digital platforms can enhance efficiency and expand legitimate operations, appropriate safeguards must be put in place to address cybersecurity, consumer protection, transaction monitoring, and compliance challenges.
The Governor maintained that improved compliance and accurate reporting would reduce leakages, enhance transparency, and strengthen the industry’s contribution to Oyo State’s economic development.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Hon. Olajide Boladuro, described the forum as a demonstration of stakeholders’ collective commitment to building a responsible, transparent, and sustainable gaming industry.
He commended Governor Makinde for supporting good governance, institutional accountability, and the responsible development of the gaming and lottery sector. Boladuro noted that while the industry presents significant opportunities for investment, employment, and revenue generation, such opportunities can only be fully realised within a framework that promotes compliance, protects the public, and inspires confidence.
Highlights of the forum included panel discussions on “Over-Regulation or Revenue Trapping: Incentivising Industry Growth,” “Corporate Social Responsibility in the Gaming Industry,” and “The State of iGaming Regulation in Nigeria: Stalemate or Progress.”
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT and E-Governance, Mr. Bayo Akande; top government functionaries; gaming operators; representatives of gaming regulatory agencies; and other industry stakeholders.
