By Manasseh Akawe,
Media Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Benue State Sports Marketing and Lottery Board
In a bid to modernize its gaming and lottery industry, the Benue State Sports Marketing and Lottery Board (BSSMLB) has embarked on a strategic initiative to adopt global best practices.
A high-level delegation, led by Executive Secretary Hon. Michael Uper, recently visited Lagos to engage key stakeholders in the industry, including the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), Bet9ja, BetKing and Premier Lotto Company.
The visit was a critical step towards strengthening regulations, increasing revenue generation, and leveraging technology to position Benue as a major player in Nigeria’s gaming sector.
Strategic Engagements with Industry Leaders
A key highlight of the visit was the delegation’s meeting with LSLGA, recognized as a pioneer in Africa’s gaming regulatory landscape.
The discussions provided valuable insights into industry best practices, revenue models, and regulatory frameworks that could be adopted in Benue.
However, a major challenge identified was the need for a legislative amendment to enable the BSSMLB to function effectively.
Bar. Adetoun Adeyemi, who represented the LSLGA CEO, emphasized this, stating, _”The current law limits the board’s ability to regulate and expand operations. A legal review is necessary to align with global best practices.”_
Independence and Revenue Generation
The delegation also explored the importance of financial independence, learning from LSLGA’s self-sustaining revenue model.
The Lagos agency’s ability to generate and manage its funds independently has contributed significantly to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Meetings with Bet9ja, BetKing, and Premier Lotto Company focused on regulatory compliance, licensing fees, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and automation of revenue collection.
These discussions aimed to ensure that gaming operators fulfill their obligations to both the government and local communities.
Establishing a State-Owned Lottery Company
A major outcome of the visit was the proposal to establish a Benue State-owned lotto company. According to Hon. Uper, _”We want to create a transparent, trustworthy gaming system that benefits Benue’s people and contributes to the state’s revenue.”_
This initiative is expected to:
✅ Boost job creation and local economic activities.
✅ Increase public trust in regulated gaming operations.
✅ Enhance internally generated revenue (IGR) for Benue State.
Leveraging Technology for Industry Growth
To drive innovation in the sector, the BSSMLB engaged Gaim Technologies Limited, a firm specializing in digital solutions for gaming and lottery operations.
Co-founder Mr. Kelani Opeyemi assured that his company would assist Benue in developing a robust digital infrastructure to streamline gaming operations.
A Transformational Step for Benue’s Gaming Sector
The BSSMLB’s Lagos visit marks a significant step toward transforming Benue’s gaming and lottery industry.
By adopting best practices, strengthening regulations, and leveraging technology, the state is on track to creating a more transparent, profitable, and well-regulated gaming sector.
However, achieving this vision requires collaboration between the government, private sector stakeholders, and the local community.
With all hands on deck, Benue State is set to establish itself as a formidable force in Nigeria’s gaming industry.
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