Firstsitenews -The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a firm warning to lottery and gaming operators within Abuja to desist from allowing minors participate in gambling activities. The administration also unveiled a new regulatory framework designed to sanitize the gaming and lottery sector in the FCT, enhance investor confidence, and protect vulnerable groups — especially children — from the adverse effects of gambling.
At a press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director-General of the FCT Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, made it clear that the FCTA will no longer tolerate any breaches in the sector, particularly involving the participation of underage individuals. He emphasized that any operator found violating this directive would face stiff penalties, ranging from heavy fines to the outright revocation of operational licenses.
“There is zero tolerance for underage gambling in the FCT,” Gbajabiamila stated emphatically. “Operators must adhere to the rules and ensure that no minor is allowed to participate in any form of gambling. We are building a gaming environment that is safe, transparent, and responsible.”
The newly introduced regulatory framework comes on the heels of a recent Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the legal authority of the FCTA to oversee and regulate gaming and lottery operations within its jurisdiction. This judgment has now paved the way for the FCT Lottery Regulatory Office (FCT-LRO) to fully assume control of the gaming sector, in partnership with the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS).
Gbajabiamila assured stakeholders that the regulatory transition would be smooth and would not negatively impact existing operators. He noted that all previously issued licenses will remain valid and active under the FCT-LRO’s supervision. “There is no requirement for reapplication. The only change is the administrative jurisdiction. Operators who were previously under federal regulation will now be accountable to the FCTA through the FCT-LRO,” he explained.
He also reiterated that the new framework aims to standardize operations, attract both local and foreign investors, and position Abuja as a competitive entertainment and gaming hub in Africa. “We are setting new standards to make Abuja the entertainment capital of the continent. This includes boosting transparency, improving accountability, and ensuring a level playing field for all licensed operators,” he added.
The FCTA’s move comes as concerns mount nationwide over the increasing exposure of children and teenagers to gambling through unregulated kiosks and online platforms. The administration hopes that this new policy direction will serve as a model for other regions in Nigeria and beyond.
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