Decentralisation of lottery regulation poses security challenges – APC chieftain petitions Ribadu

A security expert and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has declared that decentralization of lottery regulation poses security challenges in the country.

Mumuni made this declaration via a petition addressed to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The petition was made available to Newspot on Friday.

Newspot recalls that the Supreme Court had last Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted by the National Assembly, following the suit filed in 2008 by Lagos and other states.

But Mumuni, in the petition titled “Addressing Security Concerns Following Supreme Court Judgment on Lottery Regulatory Independence,” disclosed that the ruling has raised significant concerns regarding the implications of allowing state governments to manage lotteries, particularly in the context of online gaming.

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He added that online lotteries and gaming present unique challenges that require a comprehensive approach to security.

Mumuni, while speaking further, maintained that decentralization of lottery regulation poses serious security challenges.

He concluded by urging Ribadu to consider advocating for a more centralized approach to the regulation of lotteries and online gaming in the country.

Mumuni said, “I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the regulatory independence of lotteries in Nigeria. This ruling has raised significant concerns regarding the implications of allowing state governments to manage lotteries, particularly in the context of online gaming.

“As you are aware, online lotteries and gaming present unique challenges that require a comprehensive approach to security. State governments may lack the uniform guidelines and resources established by the central government, leading to inconsistencies that can be exploited.

“The proliferation of online platforms heightens the risk of cyber-attacks. Insufficient security measures at the state level can expose sensitive information and financial data, making participants vulnerable to cyber criminals.

“Lotteries are often exploited for money laundering activities. Without stringent regulatory oversight by the central government, state-run lotteries may become conduits for illicit financial flows, undermining national security efforts.

“The creation of a fragmented regulatory landscape can lead to varying standards across states, complicating enforcement and compliance measures. This lack of uniformity could hinder the fight against organized crime and other associated threats.

“Given these challenges, I urge the National Security Adviser to consider advocating for a more centralized approach to the regulation of lotteries and online gaming in Nigeria. This would enable the establishment of robust KYC protocols, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and uniform anti-money laundering frameworks that are critical for safeguarding the integrity of our financial systems.”