Africa Gaming Expo, Other Events that will Shape 2 0 2 4
From important conferences and exhibitions to landmark judiciary pronouncements and educational sessions, this is going to be a busy year for the gaming industry, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong
Arguably, the most anticipated event in the gaming industry in Nigeria for 2024 is the impending Africa Gaming Expo, which is being organised for the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority by Africa Gaming Expo Limited. Advertised as the largest gathering of gaming stakeholders in Africa, it is billed to be held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites between March 12 and 15. In its concept and planning, AGE Lagos is the most ambitious function yet, spanning all four days and drawing participants from key countries where significant gaming activities are taking place.
Industry insiders eagerly look forward to the critical role AGE Lagos can play as a first-of-its-kind platform for bringing together all interlocking units in the gaming environment for the exchange of information. The pacesetting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose key role as chief host and keynote speaker will set the tone for the discourse, which centres on ‘Exploring the Future of the Africa Gaming Market: Emerging Trends, Prospects and Opportunities’.
SUPREME COURT BEGINS HEARING ON CONTROL OF LOTTERY SECTOR
Incidentally, the Supreme Court has fixed March 13, 2024, to hear a suit filed in 2008 by the attorney general of Lagos against the federal government regarding who controls and regulates the gaming and lottery sector, even as the momentous Africa Gaming Expo is taking place in Lagos.
There might be a long time before the case that began 16 years ago is concluded. The Attorney General of the Federation is the first defendant, while the National Assembly is the second defendant. The attorneys general of 34 states were joined as defendants by the Supreme Court on November 15, 2022.
Bode Olanipekun represents the Lagos government, Innocent Daa’gba represents the federal government, and Ifeanyi Mrialike represents the National Assembly. The attorneys general of the 33 states are duly represented. The apex court had advised that all the state governments on one side, in accordance with their respective interests, should present a common argument to save the court’s time on the hearing date.
Explaining his position, Daagba said he had filed processes and submissions to the federal government since 2020 to pave the way for a hearing of the matter.
On August 15, 2022, the federal government (through the Nigerian Lottery Regulation Commission and the Nigerian Lottery Trust Fund) won the case against Lagos and other states on the issue of multiple regulations in the gaming sector.
The Association of Nigeria Bookmakers had initiated the lawsuit to determine the legitimate regulators of gaming businesses because they complained about multiple taxes and licensing fees paid to states and the federal government.
In suit No FHC/L/CS/15992020, filed before Justice I.N Oweibo of the Lagos High Court, the judge ruled that the Federal Government should be the sole regulator of the gaming business, citing the Constitution as putting lottery in the exclusive list. The judge said only the National Assembly can legislate on lottery matters.