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By Manasseh Akawe
The recent visit of a delegation from the Benue State Sports Marketing and Lottery Board (BSSMLB) to Lagos has sent a strong signal that the state is poised to take its gaming and lottery industry to the next level. Led by Executive Secretary Hon. Michael Uper, the delegation met with key stakeholders in the industry, including the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), Bet9ja, BetKing, and Premier Lotto Company.
The visit was a strategic move aimed at gathering ideas and strategies to help the BSSMLB institute global best practices and leverage technology to make Benue State a major player in the gaming and lottery industry. According to Hon. Uper, “The Benue State Sports Marketing and Lottery Board under my leadership is undergoing repositioning, and this meeting is to help us tap into the experience of the LSLGA.” This statement underscores the board’s commitment to transformation and its desire to learn from the best in the industry.
The delegation’s engagement with the LSLGA was particularly significant, as the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority is a pioneer gaming regulatory board in Africa and one of the biggest revenue-generating agencies in Lagos State and Nigeria. The LSLGA team shared their experience in the industry, strategies, and machinery in place for effective operations, providing valuable insights that will inform the BSSMLB’s regulatory framework.
One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the need for an amendment to the existing law guiding the BSSMLB to accommodate global practices. As noted by Bar. Mrs Adetoun Adeyemi, representing the CEO of LSLGA, “It will be difficult for the board to effectively operate as the present law does not give room for most of the things they should be doing as a regulatory agency.” This highlights the importance of having a robust and modern regulatory framework that supports the growth and development of the industry.
The LSLGA team also emphasized the importance of independence for the BSSMLB, noting that the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority is an independent agency that generates its revenue and decides on how it is spent. This independence is critical in ensuring that the board can operate effectively and make decisions that are in the best interest of the state and the industry.
In addition to the meeting with LSLGA, the BSSMLB delegation also engaged with Bet9ja, BetKing, and Premier Lotto Company to discuss issues related to their operations in Benue State. These meetings provided a platform for the board to address concerns around license fees, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) integration and automation of revenue collection, and the need for these companies to fulfill their obligations to the state and the local communities.
The visit also marked a significant step towards establishing a state-owned lotto company, aimed at enhancing internally generated revenue for the state. According to Hon. Uper, “We also are looking at how we can come into the market, ensure transparency, and build trust for our customers and generate revenue for the state.” This initiative has the potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and increase revenue for the state.
Furthermore, the BSSMLB’s engagement with Gaim Technologies Limited, a renowned company specializing in innovative software solutions for the lottery and gaming industry, is a clear indication of the board’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive growth and development in the industry. As noted by Mr. Kelani Opeyemi, Co-founder of Gaim Technologies Limited, “We have assisted in setting up several reputable gaming and lottery companies in Nigeria and beyond, and we are committed to delivering a great job for Benue State.”
The implications of the BSSMLB’s visit to Lagos are far-reaching. Firstly, it demonstrates the board’s commitment to transformation and its desire to learn from the best in the industry. Secondly, it highlights the importance of having a robust and modern regulatory framework that supports the growth and development of the industry. Thirdly, it underscores the need for independence and autonomy in the operations of the board.
Overall, the BSSMLB’s visit to Lagos was a strategic move that demonstrates the board’s commitment to transforming the gaming and lottery industry in Benue State. The visit provided a platform for the board to learn from the best in the industry, address concerns around regulation and operations, and explore opportunities for growth and development. As the BSSMLB continues to reposition itself, Benue people can expect a more vibrant and regulated gaming and lottery industry that contributes to the state’s economic growth and development.
It is also important to note that the success of the BSSMLB’s transformation agenda will depend on the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the state government, operators, and the local communities. Therefore, it is imperative that all hands are on deck to ensure that the board achieves its objectives and takes the gaming and lottery industry in Benue State to the next level.
Akawe writes as a Media Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Benue State Sports Marketing and Lottery Board
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