In a commendable statement of intent, the Enugu State Government has asserted its goal to become Nigeria’s gaming innovation capital, backed by a solid mix of technology-driven oversight, transparent regulation, and a strong emphasis on social responsibility.
At the 2025 Enugu Gaming Conference, held at the International Conference Centre, the Governor’s address, Dr Peter Mbah, delivered by the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr Nathaniel Urama, noted the state’s strategic pivot towards gaming as a tool for economic growth.
“This administration is working to reclaim Enugu not only as a government of substance but as an investment hub within Africa,” the Governor said in his welcome address.
Themed “From Unification to Diversification: Shaping Nigeria’s Gaming Future,” the conference brought together stakeholders, tech innovators, regulators, and investors from across the continent.
According to the Governor, “We are living in a time where the future of gaming will be determined by how well we harmonise innovation, regulation, expansion, responsibility and investment.”
Enugu’s leadership is backing words with action, and over the past year, the state has rolled out a range of initiatives that go beyond token regulation.
At the heart of these measures is an automated licensing and operator registration portal, a secure digital platform that allows real-time tracking and evaluation of gaming operators.
“This innovation drastically reduces manual interference, minimises the risk of fraud, and ensures compliance with our gaming norms,” the Governor stated.
Equally important is the deployment of a Central Monitoring System (CMS) for virtual and retail gaming activities. This system allows the state to monitor gaming transactions in real time, aiming to improve transparency in revenue declarations and tax compliance; an area notoriously murky in the Nigerian gaming sector.
But the state’s vision is not limited to digital as Enugu is also taking a firm stance on ethics.
“In Enugu State, our administration fully recognises the growing influence of the gaming and lottery industry as a driver of job creation, digital innovation…
“But even more importantly, we understand the need for a regulatory environment that is transparent, secure and investment-friendly, one that supports legitimate operators while protecting the interests of players and the broader society.”
In a particularly interesting move, the government recently launched a public awareness campaign to tackle underage gambling, aligning its digital reforms with a human-centred policy approach.
“This initiative speaks directly to our commitment to social responsibility and public welfare, ensuring that the economic benefits of gaming do not come at the cost of the next generation,” the Governor said.
To better achieve its goals, the state plans to deploy a GPS-based operator mapping and audit system. This tool will allow the commission to geo-locate all gaming outlets in the state and analyse operator data to detect illegal operations and enforce compliance in a smarter way.
“These initiatives are not isolated, as they are aligned with our broader agenda of digitally driven governance, ease of doing business, and a modernised economy where transparency, accountability and efficiency are the norm,” the address stated.
While many Nigerian states are wrestling with the implications of the Supreme Court ruling that granted them power to regulate gaming activities within their jurisdictions, Enugu is already racing ahead, readying itself with digital infrastructure, legislative tools, and a public service mindset.
“Enugu State is open for business, and we are building a regulatory framework that invites innovation while preserving integrity,” the Governor said.
