Lottery commission introduces new revenue system to enhance national economy

By Paul Riding, Abuja

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), says it is set to introduce a new strategy called “Central Monitoring System”, to enhance its revenue to support the national economy.

Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director-General NLRC, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Mr Magnus Ekechukwu, Assistant Director, Public Affairs of the commission.

Gbajabiamila said the system, when successful in operation, would ensure that all earnings due to government on lottery are collected with precision.

According to him, with the strategy, all the loopholes and drains in the lottery business would be blocked to ensure that all taxes and revenues payable to government are fully collected and remitted to government coffers.

“With the arrangements being put in place by the commission, lottery would soon be contributing significantly to the federal treasury as it is being done in advanced countries like America, UK and Spain.

“Both the management and members of staff of the commission are already being prepped on trainings and enhanced welfare package for the workers for the successful outcome of the new plan, “ Gbajabiamila assured.

In addition, the NLRC boss disclosed that work was at advanced stage on the establishment of an indigenous National Game with all the benefits of higher revenues for the government.

He also assured that the game would provide greater dividends for players and profound growth in the industry generally.

Gbajabiamila maintained that the commission under his leadership was totally committed to the goals of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari on the diversification of Nigeria’s economy.

“We have remained tirelessly ingenious in engendering means of improving on revenue earnings for Nigeria and to obtain better lottery business in all ramifications”.

The NLRC boss, however, used the medium to appreciate Sen. George Akume, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Governing Board of the commission, under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle for their supports for the greater achievements in the commission.