FG To Diversify Economy Through Lottery, Says SGF

As part of efforts to diversify the economy and generate more revenues, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha has expressed the Federal Government's determination to revitalise lottery industry as an additional source of income.

This is so as the Acting Executive Secretary, National Lottery Trust Fund(NLTF), Mallam Bello Maigari has reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to promoting quality health care delivery services to communities across the country through the application of lottery proceeds.

The SGF who spoke during the inauguration and presentation of medical equipment donated by the NLTF to General Hospital, Toro, Bauchi State yesterday explained that the move was in consideration of the current instability in the prices of oil and world economic downturn.

Represented by the permanent secretary, special duties in the office of the SGF, William Alo, Boss Mustapha explained that "The Federal Government is saying today that wherever the needed resources may be, this administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari will find them, harness them, and apply them for the benefit of the generality of the Nigerian people".

According to him, " Having made a careful study of history and the happenings in other jurisdictions as stated earlier in this address, the Federal Government is convinced of the enormous potential which lottery holds for the development of this nation".

Mustapha noted that government was presently in the process of approving new regulations and operational guidelines as provided under the National Lottery Act of 2005 with a view to strengthening the capacity of the National Lottery Commission and the National Lottery Trust Fund to perform their functions effectively.

He therefore urged persons and organisations licensed to engage in the national lottery to sit up and perform or have their licenses revoked.