DG’s Notes

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the official webpage of the Federal Capital Territory Gaming Regulatory Commission (FCT-LRO). This platform serves not only as a window into our activities and policies but also as a statement of our collective mission — to nurture a gaming environment in the Federal Capital Territory that is lawful, transparent, responsible, and beneficial to all stakeholders.

The gaming industry in Abuja stands at a pivotal juncture — one where innovation meets accountability, and entertainment converges with economic opportunity. The Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, has demonstrated a sincere commitment to supporting the sustainable growth and development of the gaming sector within our jurisdiction. This vision aligns with the broader national objective of leveraging regulated gaming as a tool for economic expansion, employment generation, and responsible social engagement.

The FCT Gaming Regulatory Office was commissioned by the Honourable Minister of the FCT. Our primary mandate is to ensure that all gaming operations within the Federal Capital Territory adhere strictly to the provisions of the law, and that the conduct of every operator reflects the integrity and ethical standards expected in a modern regulatory environment. We approach this task with zero tolerance for illegality, fraud, and non-compliance.

At the same time, we recognise that regulation must go hand in hand with facilitation. Our mission is not only to enforce but to enable — to create an ecosystem that rewards compliance and encourages innovation. We are fully aligned with international best practices and are committed to enforcing full adherence to critical frameworks that protect both operators and consumers. These include the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), national data protection regulations (NDPR), and robust cybersecurity standards designed to protect financial transactions and safeguard player data in the digital era.

Equally vital to our mandate is the promotion of Responsible Gaming. The Commission is deeply invested in ensuring that the gaming experience within the FCT remains safe, ethical, and socially responsible. Our initiatives target key areas such as gambling addiction prevention, prohibition of underage gaming, and the development of comprehensive punter self-exclusion systems. We, with stakeholders are also advancing public education campaigns to promote awareness of responsible play, mental wellness, and financial prudence. Gaming should remain a source of entertainment and economic value — never a source of harm.

We are equally determined to maintain a level playing field for all stakeholders — from small start-ups to established operators. Every licensee deserves an environment free of unfair advantage, corruption, or opaque practices. Our regulatory framework ensures that fair competition, transparency, and stakeholder confidence are the pillars of the FCT gaming ecosystem. In doing so, we reinforce a culture of trust, innovation, and mutual respect between operators, government, and the public.

Our overarching objective is balance — to foster a thriving industry where operators achieve sustainable profitability, punters enjoy fair and safe play, and government secures the revenue necessary for continued public development. When this balance is achieved, everyone benefits: the economy grows, employment increases, and social welfare strengthens.

Looking forward, we envision an FCT gaming industry that serves as a national and continental model — one that integrates technological advancement with ethical governance. To achieve this, the Commission will continue collaborating with national and international partners, including the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and other relevant institutions. Through these alliances, we seek to build a robust regulatory network that champions compliance, innovation, and transparency across all gaming operations.

In all that we do, we are guided by three enduring principles: Integrity. Innovation. Responsibility. These values form the cornerstone of our institutional identity and the measure of our success.

As Director General, I remain personally committed to ensuring that the FCT-LRO continues to evolve as a responsive, forward-thinking, and people-centred regulator — one that upholds fairness while fostering growth. Together with our stakeholders, we will continue to build a gaming ecosystem that reflects the excellence and vibrancy of the Federal Capital Territory itself.

“We regulate to elevate — ensuring every game is fair, responsible, and beneficial to society.”

— Lanre Gbajabiamila

Director General

FCT-LRO (Gaming Regulatory Commission)

Federal Capital Territory, Abuja