Nseobong Okon-Ekong appraises a recent Stakeholders Interactive Meeting between the federal government regulator in the betting and lottery industry and operators So much engagement was packed into the opening day of a recent Stakeholders Interactive Meeting hosted by the Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila and his management team at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. Based on the privilege given to the first speaker, Dr.
Lekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Agency of Nigeria (ARCON), it may be right to assume that the meeting sought to highlight trends in advertising and how they relate to the lottery and gaming industry. For instance, it was emphasised at the meeting that gaming is in a special category of vetting when it comes to advertising because of the specific requirements demanded. Why is this? Simply put, lottery and gaming operators make a lot of promises in their advertisements, which need to be validated so that the end consumer is not taken advantage of.
Fadolapo mentioned instances when advertisements, not necessarily in the lottery and gaming industry, have touched the raw nerves of sensitive members of the Nigerian society, leading to immediate stoppage and producers of the advert being dragged to the Advertising Offences Tribunal. He reminded lottery operators of the need to prevent their advertisements from being vetted early. Otherwise, they must be ready to pay additional charge.