Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has warned gaming operators against regulatory violations, tax evasion, and illegal operations, insisting that businesses in the sector must comply with licensing and other statutory requirements.
Makinde said his administration would pursue a gaming industry that promotes investment, job creation and revenue generation while ensuring effective regulation and protection of players.
The governor spoke on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the 7th Annual Stakeholders’ Interactive Forum organised by the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board at Jogor Centre, Ibadan.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, Makinde said economic growth in the gaming sector must go hand in hand with responsible business practices and the protection of public interest.
He said the rapid expansion of online gaming platforms and mobile applications had created new business opportunities but also increased the need for stronger regulation, monitoring and consumer protection.
“Our position as a government is clear. Economic growth must be encouraged, businesses must be allowed to thrive within the law, and the interests of the public must remain protected. These objectives are essential to building an industry that is productive, responsible, and sustainable,” the governor said.
Makinde identified the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board as a key institution in maintaining stability in the sector through effective oversight, enforcement of licensing requirements and action against illegal operators.
He stressed, however, that regulation must be fair, transparent and consistent, noting that the government’s intention was not to obstruct legitimate businesses but to ensure accountability and orderly growth.
The governor urged the board to strengthen its regulatory capacity, improve engagement with operators and deploy modern technology to enhance monitoring and compliance.
He also called on gaming businesses to maintain valid licences, fulfil their tax and levy obligations, keep accurate records and comply with applicable regulations.
According to him, illegal operations and non-compliance undermine confidence in the industry, weaken regulatory oversight, create unfair competition and deprive the government of revenue.
Makinde seeks safeguards for online gaming
The governor also emphasised the need for responsible gaming practices, particularly measures to protect vulnerable people and prevent underage participation.
He said the growing use of digital platforms could improve efficiency and expand legitimate gaming operations, but operators must address risks relating to cybersecurity, consumer protection, transaction monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Makinde added that accurate reporting and improved compliance would help reduce revenue leakages, strengthen transparency and increase the gaming industry’s contribution to Oyo State’s economic development.
Gaming board seeks responsible industry growth
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Hon. Olajide Boladuro, described the forum as evidence of stakeholders’ shared commitment to developing a responsible, transparent and sustainable gaming industry.
Boladuro commended the Makinde administration for supporting good governance, institutional accountability and the development of the gaming and lottery sector.
He noted that the industry offered opportunities for investment, employment and revenue generation, but maintained that these benefits could only be fully realised through compliance, public protection and measures that inspire confidence among stakeholders.
The forum featured panel discussions on three major themes: “Over-Regulation or Revenue Trapping: Incentivising Industry Growth,” “Corporate Social Responsibility in the Gaming Industry,” and “The State of iGaming Regulation in Nigeria: Stalemate or Progress.”
Among those who attended were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT and E-Governance, Mr Bayo Akande; government officials, gaming operators, representatives of regulatory agencies and other industry stakeholders.
