News

Reps Advocate Central Monitoring System For Sports Betting In Nigeria

Published

7 months ago

May 9, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as NIPPS call for Executive Order on the dangers of sports betting

By Gloria Ikibah

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, Rep. Canice Nwachukwu, has said there is the need to establish a Central Monitoring System for the sports betting ecosystem in the country.

Rep. Canice stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during an investigative hearing on a motion referred to the Committee by the House on the “Need to Curtail the Dangerous Effects of Sport Betting and Direct the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to comply with the Lottery Regulatory Commission Act, 2005”, by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu at plenary.

He assured that the Committee was not going to call for the shutting down of the Sports Betting sector but would ensure it follows laid down rules and does not become inimical to society.

He said, “We are all Nigerians. We would not go against people doing their business. The have rights to exercise their franchise. But what we are saying is we have to play within the rules of the game.

“We have to arm the system to control and enforce all the provisions that would allow gaming and betting to flow smoothly without becoming a social menace.

“I am not going to be here to say we are going to shut gaming and betting and people operating in that sector. What we would do is to make sure there is a level playing ground whereby all the mechanisms that should be out in place to ensure it does not become inimical to the society.

“We have to play within the rules of engagement. That comes to the issue of a central monitoring system. It must be introduced. This is going to a reasonable extent help is solved some of the problems we are having now.

“By the time we have the system in place some of these stories would become history. It is not going to be completely eradicated but to a reasonable extent it will solve some of these issues.”

Deputy Director of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Sandra Agbor, in her submission urged that while awaiting the review and passage of the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission Act 2005, the President should enact an Executive Order on the dangers of sports betting in Nigeria.

Speaking on the contribution of Sports Betting to the economy, she said Nigerians plough about $2 billion a year into sports betting annually.

“The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has imposed a 7.5% value-added tax (VAT) on betting activities in the country. The contribution of sports betting to the national economy is huge and cannot be ignored.

“The number of betting companies operating in Nigeria has provided more employment opportunities, with thousands of Nigerians now working for both the local and foreign companies.

“Sports betting companies have aided the Nigerian economy by forming partnerships and signing sponsorship deals with several organizations, both in the sports and entertainment industries,” Agbor said.

She stated that the Nigerian sports betting market is rapidly developing, and this has a positive effect on the economy.

Agbor added that the industry can attract investors, create new jobs, and generate more revenue to the national purse, however, the negative effects should be factored into the design of a holistic response that will protect the underage, prevent fraud, and confront addiction in Nigeria.

Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, said lottery and gaming remains a veritable development instrument to make sports entertainment a revenue spinning venture.

Represented by the Director Licensing and Operation, Obi Yeregu, he said the Commission has put in a lot of measures to not only mitigate the adverse effects of sports betting.

He stated: “There are lots of benefits inherent in it. The sports betting has been a veritable tool of empowering Nigerians and giving gainful employment to our teeming youths.

“The number of Nigerian youths employed in this ecosystem is huge. Very huge. The Commission in recent past has brought experts to enlighten Nigerians on the benefits of sports betting and also to emphasize responsible gaming.

“The slogan of our commission is lottery the right way. This connote the fact that not only does it generate revenue it also sensitive to ensure that we don’t breed addicts”.

The Association of Nigerian Bookmakers Olafadeke Akeju, said sports betting industry makes significant contributions to the Nigerian economy through job creation, tax revenue generation, and investment in local communities.

She said by supporting responsible gaming and regulatory compliance, the Sports Betting industry is contributing to the sustainable growth of the gaming sector.

Ajeku assured that as responsible members of society, they are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks.

She said operators play a crucial role in curbing the side effects of gaming and promoting responsible gambling practices which cannot be undermined in any society.

According to her, the protection of gaming customers can be achieved through education, awareness campaigns, and responsible gaming tools, aimed at preventing problem gambling and mitigating the harmful effects to individuals and communities.

Head of Legal and Compliance and Stakeholders’ Engagement, KC Gaming Networks Ltd (Bet9ja), Adewale Akande, said sports betting industry has been a huge source of revenue to the government at all levels as well as huge employers of labour.

Akande said the industry is still at its infancy and has a lot of potential for more growth, but urged that the industry be nurtured for the betterment of all Nigerians.

According to her, making Sports Betting illegal could have significant negative impacts on both the government and customers.

“From a governmental perspective, banning sports betting eliminates a potential source of revenue through taxes and licensing fees, which could otherwise be allocated to various public services and projects.

“Additionally, prohibition may drive sports betting underground, leading to an increase in illegal gambling activities by unscrupulous operators and criminals, making regulation and control more challenging and costly for law enforcement.

“For customers, the prohibition of sports betting denies them the freedom to engage in a popular form of entertainment and removes consumer protections inherent in a regulated market, such as ensuring fair odds, transparent transactions, and mechanisms for dispute resolution.

“Moreover, it may push individuals towards unregulated and potentially risky alternatives, leaving them vulnerable to fraud and exploitation. Overall, banning sports betting could deprive both the government and customers of benefits while creating additional challenges,” he said.

News

Reps Urge FG To Make Available Reliable Data On Housing Deficit

Published

8 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide scientific, verifiable data on the housing deficit and improve access to affordable housing in the Nigeria.

This resolution was sequel to the adopting of a motion by Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, on the “Provision of affordable housing in Nigeria,” Tuesday at plenary.

Rep. Ukpong-Udo who noted that data is considered an important factor in the planning and execution of projects across all tiers of government, said the housing sector in Nigeria, with a huge deficit, lacks veritable data for planning and execution of housing policies and strategies.

He stated: “The House is aware that according to the world population review, over 24 million people in Nigeria are homeless, with no appropriate access to proper dwelling with some basic social amenities.

“The House is worried that Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with homeless populations, leading with 24 million, followed by Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, and Congo.”

The House also expressed displeasure that the country relies on the World Bank report for housing data, and that for a nation to grow and enjoy stability, there is the need to have its housing data as well as a market that works efficiently and provides decent shelter for its citizens.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to address the lack of credible, scientific, and verifiable data on the state of housing in the country and ensure access to decent and affordable housing.

News

Provide Adequate Security For Transmission Towers Across Nigeria – Reps Tell FG

Published

8 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has charge the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, to urgently provide adequate security for Transmission Towers across the country to avoid future occurrences of vandalism.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep Oboku Oforji, lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokoma-Opokuma federal constituency of Bayelsa State on Tuesday at plenary.

In his lead debate, Rep. Oforji noted that on July 29, 2024, residents of Yenagoa and Bayelsa State in general woke up to a total blackout occasioned by the collapse of a Transmission Station between Emezhi and Mbaima in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State and three others between Igbogene and Nedugo Agbia in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to him, the Bayelsa State Government in collaboration with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, swiftly swung into action to address the challenges that has culminated in dwindling of socio-economic activities in the state.

He further noted that saddened that on the 19th of November, 2024, just as the work was nearing completion, at Ula-Akpata, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, some hoodlums went and vandalised a section of the lines.

The motion reads in part: “By this development, the woes of the residents of Bayelsa State still subsist for one or two days, because as we speak the people of the State are in total blackout, this has been the situation for over 4 months.

“The efforts of the Bayelsa State Government in mobilizing financial and material resources to support the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is highly commended. However, proactive measures must be taken to forestall future occurrences of vandalism of these Transmission Towers.

“As a representative of my people this brings to mind the provisions of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) which talks about our economic and social rights as citizens, which I believe should not be taken for granted by the government”.

The House adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Interior and Power to ensure compliance.

News

JUST IN: Tinubu Heading For France

Published

10 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for a state visit to France.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Emmanuel Macron invited his Nigerian counterpart to the European country.

Onanuga said the three-day visit will focus “on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation among others”.

“President Tinubu who will be traveling with the First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.”

“During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.

“Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative,” the statement read.

Tinubu and his wife who will be hosted to a state dinner by the French leader before their departure, will be accompanied by top government officials.