14 Oct SGF TASKS NATIONAL LOTTERY REGULATORY COMMISSION BOARD MEMBERS ON REVENUE GENERATION, JOB CREATION

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON), has charged members of the Board of National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to assist the Commission in its efforts at increasing revenue generation and creating more job opportunities for Nigerians.

Senator Anyim gave the charge while inaugurating the newly constituted Board of NLRC in his office, in Abuja, recently. He informed the members that the Commission was yet to generate the expected revenue from lottery despite the huge population of the country and her efficient mobile communication networks.

His words: “We have observed with concern that with Nigeria’s huge population and efficient mobile communication networks, lottery has not effectively played the role expected of it as a veritable source of additional revenue for government to pursue good causes, provide employment and improve the lives and material conditions of the citizens. 

“Government is desirous of making the lottery industry realize its full potentials as revenue generator, employment provider and facilitator of healthy social interaction among citizens,” Anyim said.

The SGF enjoined the Board members to use their wealth of experience and competences to help the lottery industry take its place and make its contributions to the Federal Government’s efforts at transforming the country.

“Let therefore charge the Chairman and Members of the Board to immediately hit the ground running. We expect to begin to see clear positive changes in the fortunes, activities and operations of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission soon,” the SGF declared. He reminded them of the Commission’s mandate which include: Regulation of the operation and business of national lottery in Nigeria; Collaboration with Licensees to set standards, guidelines and rules for the operation of lottery businesses; Promotion of transparency, propriety and integrity in lottery operation; Protection of the interest of players, other stakeholders and the public as well as the periodic assessment of the operation of lottery business. Anyim urged the Board Members to show commitment to the assignment, assuring them of Federal Government’s support and assistance to enable them succeed.

Responding, on behalf of the Board members, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Damian Dodo (SAN), thanked SGF for finding time to inaugurate the Board despite his busy schedule. 

He said that SGF could have asked any minister to inaugurate the Board because of his busy schedule but performing the event by himself clearly showed the commitment of Federal Government in changing the landscape of lottery.

The Board Chairman however pledged the commitment of the members to the assignment. “We give our commitment, our undertaking and dedication to this course and by the Grace of God we shall succeed,” 

By Bethrand Nwankwo