Licensed Lottery Operators in Nigeria have urged the federal government to desist from creating a monopoly in the lottery industry, saying; “creating a monopoly in the lottery industry is against the spirit and letters of the National Lottery Act 2005.”
In a communique issued after its meeting held in Abuja, the lotto operators, under the aegis of Association of Licensed Lottery Operators in Nigeria (ALLON) said it would continue to support the efforts of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to resist the undue pressure mount on the commission, which is aimed at creating a monopoly in the lottery industry.
In the communique signed on behalf of the association by Chima Onwuka and Kamal Nath, ALLON said instead of putting lottery business in Nigeria in the hands of a single individual or organisation, the Federal Government and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission should consider more constructive regulation of the industry in order to optimize lottery operations and deepen the penetration of lottery across Nigeria.
The communique read in part; “That the Association recognises the efforts of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the challenges it faces in monitoring and regulating the industry and should resist all efforts aimed at creating monopoly in the lottery industry.
“That creating a monopoly in the lottery industry is against the spirit and letters of the National Lottery Act 2005.
“That the Association reiterates that all existing Licenses issued to operators under the National Lottery Act 2005 remain valid until the expiration of their tenure and will resist any attempt to clandestinely revoke any License.
“Consequently, the Association resolves to join and support the Commission in defending and appeal all law suits filed against the Commission in the law courts to ensure that the letter and spirit of the NLA ACT 2005 is fully complied with.
“The Association reiterates its support for the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Honourable Minister of Special Duties and pleads that they should discharge their responsibilities under the National Lottery Act 2005 without undue pressure or stress.”
