Key Moments:
- The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has instituted a requirement for registration of foreign technology agreements in the gaming sector.
- The reforms are designed to improve transparency, safeguard intellectual property, and encourage local participation in Nigeria’s growing gaming industry.
- Industry stakeholders have voiced both support and calls for clearer guidelines to address the sector’s complex technology landscape.
Regulatory Overhaul Targets Imported Technology in Gaming
The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has introduced new rules. These now require registration of all foreign gaming technology agreements in Nigeria. The announcement was outlined at a Lagos workshop titled “Driving Compliance, Enabling Growth: Understanding NOTAP’s New Directives for the Gaming Sector.” The updated rules cover contracts involving foreign software, gaming engines, cloud systems, and digital payment tools. In short, they apply to almost any technology brought into Nigeria.
Goals: Structure, Fairness, and Local Development
The main objective of the reforms is to bring greater order and trust to a sector identified as high in both potential and risk. By requiring registration, NOTAP seeks three goals: greater transparency in contracts, stronger protection of intellectual property, and reduced capital outflows. Furthermore, the system strengthens oversight in a high-risk sector. Furthermore, the regulations place new emphasis on nurturing local content by underscoring the involvement of Nigerian developers and businesses in gaming technology ventures.
Stakeholder Reactions and Industry Implications
According to Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, the Director General of NOTAP, as relayed by Deputy Director Victor Anih, the reforms are intended to foster growth: “Compliance is not punishment; it is an enabler of sustainable growth.” She noted that the gaming industry, with participation from millions of Nigerians, requires clarity on ownership rights, as unregistered agreements pose challenges to industry stability.
Stakeholders at the workshop— including the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers and Azare Consulting—expressed approval. Moreover, they stressed that compliance could boost trust and stability in the industry. “When your technology agreement is registered, you have the government’s backing. It improves investor confidence, gives you a stronger legal standing, and reassures your customers,” said Chibuzor Fagbule, General Manager of Azare Consulting.
However, stakeholders asked for clearer guidance specific to gaming technology. Unlike fintech systems, gaming tools need rules that address their unique risks and functions. Adewale Elijah of Mojabet, supported by Gideon Odushola of Winners Golden Chance, commented: “This is about future-proofing our industry. We need clear rules that promote innovation but also protect local players. What is being proposed by NOTAP needs more meeting time because it can’t happen overnight.”
Industry Revenue and Future Prospects
Participants expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on in-house information technology teams and possibilities that older regulations from the dissolved National Lottery Regulatory Commission could resurface. The sector’s revenue already exceeds ₦250 billion (€150 million). With effective oversight, it could almost double within five years. Therefore, the reforms carry major implications for both investors and operators.
Ongoing Dialogue Emphasized for Successful Transition
The event ended with a consensus that while implementing the new rules will play a critical role, ongoing industry-wide discussion will be vital in achieving an effective and seamless transition.
| Highlights of NOTAP’s Regulatory Changes | Implications |
|---|---|
| Mandatory registration of agreements involving foreign gaming tech | Ensures legal protection and government endorsement |
| Promotion of local developer and company involvement | Fosters domestic industry growth and innovation |
| Focus on capital retention | Prevents excessive capital flight and enhances industry sustainability |
- Author
Daniel Williams
