Buhari’s Presidency and Its Lasting Effect on Nigeria’s iGaming Regulation
Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency between 2015 and 2023 influenced several regulated sectors in Nigeria, including the country’s fragmented and fast-evolving iGaming industry. Although digital gambling was not the primary focus of his administration, policy decisions, regulatory inaction, and financial controls shaped the environment in which operators, affiliates, and payment providers had to function. With Buhari’s death now confirmed, stakeholders are evaluating how his legacy might affect future iGaming reforms.
Buhari’s Policy Stance on Digital Gambling Regulation
Throughout his presidency, Buhari maintained a reserved approach toward digital gambling. His administration did not introduce federal legislation that directly addressed online gaming. Instead, his government prioritized national security, fiscal transparency, and anti-corruption measures, which indirectly impacted the betting sector.
Buhari’s focus on financial control meant that operators often faced stricter banking scrutiny. Many betting platforms, both domestic and international, encountered delays or barriers in payment processing. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s tightened foreign exchange controls also affected revenue repatriation for foreign-licensed operators.
While the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) retained its position as the federal regulator, Buhari’s government did not consolidate oversight across state and federal jurisdictions. As a result, operators had to navigate a fragmented landscape, particularly in states like Lagos, where local licensing regimes operated independently.
Limited Federal Oversight and Market Fragmentation
One of the defining characteristics of Buhari-era gambling regulation was the absence of unified national legislation for iGaming. Although the industry experienced significant growth, particularly in sports betting and mobile lotteries, oversight remained disjointed.
For example, the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) licensed operators independently from the NLRC. Other states, such as Ogun and Rivers, developed their own frameworks. This created confusion among operators and occasionally led to dual licensing conflicts or enforcement overlaps.
Stakeholders frequently called for a national gambling act to harmonize standards, but such reforms did not materialize during Buhari’s tenure. This regulatory ambiguity limited Nigeria’s attractiveness to large foreign investors in the iGaming sector.
Financial Policies Affecting iGaming Businesses
Buhari’s broader economic and monetary policies directly influenced the operational capacity of digital betting platforms. The Central Bank of Nigeria restricted foreign exchange access and imposed limits on international transactions. This affected customer deposits, withdrawals, and cross-border payments related to licensing and software provisioning.
These controls were intended to protect Nigeria’s reserves and stabilize the naira, but they also complicated partnerships between local operators and international suppliers. Fintech services that supported the iGaming ecosystem faced pressure to comply with enhanced KYC and AML checks, often slowing transaction times and increasing friction for end users.
Despite this, the betting industry continued to grow, driven by mobile adoption, youth demographics, and increasing internet access. However, growth occurred in a regulatory grey area without formalized guidance from the federal government.
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