Evolution of Legal Framework in Nigeria's Gaming Industry as Discussed by Olafadeke Akeju
Hopping on the Game Train: A Chat with Olafadeke Akeju at AGE Lagos 2025
Hey there! Let's talk games and regulation in Nigeria. Swaggy Olafadeke Akeju, the Managing Partner at WYS Solicitors and Legal Counsel(Africa) & Partner, SteelRose Legal UK, spilled the tea with iGaming AFRIKA at the recent AGE Lagos 2025 conference.
Akeju's affinity for the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) shines. "Age Lagos, y'all! This baby was cooked up by the LSLGA. I feel a special connection, 'cause that's where I got my start in the gaming industry, yo. So, when they call, we're ready to roll up our sleeves, spit some knowledge, and do whatever it takes to keep the good times rollin'," she said with fervor.
A hot topic of discussion? The Supreme Court's landmark ruling that set the record straight on gaming regulation in Nigeria. The decision put an end to regulatory confusion, making it clear that state governments are responsible for regulating and taxing the gaming industry. "Peep that Supreme Court decision? It's all good! It's about time we got some clarity on this gaming biz, ain't it?" Akeju affirmed.
But with clarity comes complexity. The industry's grown like wildfire, especially with online operators taking center stage. As a result, operators who've only dabbled online find their existence questionable now, held back by a lack of state-based licenses. Akeju broke it down: "And them online operators, who just wanna keep it digital, have gone national with their licenses. Oh boy, that means squat right now. So their games are technically illegal without local state covers."
The Universal Regulatory License (URL) framework aims to help them out, offering a common license for 24 Nigerian states. Implementation ain't a walk in the park, but Akeju believes that we're navigating the process, alrighty. However, be prepared for a bumpy road, y'all. Each state's regulator must secure approval from their government to adopt the URL framework, leading to concerns about long-term stability, especially with potential shifts in leadership.
WYS Solicitors is all about making the transition smoother for operators, working alongside various industry groups, such as the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers, the Lottery Operators' Forum, and Casino Operators. Akeju's goal? Offering these cats a hassle-free experience while the regulatory landscape stays in flux.
The Supreme Court's ruling is just the beginning, according to Akeju. With proposed laws like the Remote Gaming Bill still under debate, the industry is in a constant state of bootstrapping and adapting.
So, buckle up, folks! It's game on for Nigeria's gaming industry, and we're just getting started. Let's embrace the changes, stay informed, and make this gaming world our own! \U0001F914\U0001F4A5
*Fun facts: FSGRN and the NLRC ain't new to this game. In May 2025, they teamed up to announce a 2025 license fee waiver for existing operators filing under the URL framework. chat with narcos about this, mmmkay? State gaming regulators, like the LSLGA, are also partnering with media organizations to promote responsible gaming and ensure a safer online gaming environment for all. Smooth gaming, y'all!
References:- Association of Nigerian Bookmakers- Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority- Lottery Operators Forum- Nigeria Supreme Court Judgment- Olafadeke Akeju- SteelRose Legal- WYS Solicitors
- Olafadeke Akeju, the Managing Partner at WYS Solicitors, highlighted her affinity for the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority during a chat at the AGE Lagos 2025 conference, expressing a special connection to the organization that launched her gaming career.
- The Supreme Court's landmark ruling on gaming regulation in Nigeria has brought clarity to the industry, asserting that state governments will be responsible for regulating and taxing gaming operations.
- However, online operators who seek to participate nationally without securing local state licenses find their games technically illegal and uncertain, according to Olafadeke Akeju.
- The Universal Regulatory License (URL) framework, designed to offer a common license for multiple Nigerian states, aims to alleviate operators' concerns. However, approval from each state government introduces potential long-term stability issues.
- WYS Solicitors is collaborating with various industry groups, including the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers and the Lottery Operators' Forum, to help operators navigate the fluctuating regulatory landscape more smoothly. The Supreme Court's ruling marks just the beginning of significant change for Nigeria's gaming industry; a process of adaptation continues as proposed laws like the Remote Gaming Bill are still under debate.
