The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a unified framework for regulating advertising within Nigeria’s rapidly growing Gambling sector.
Formally signed at a ceremony in Lagos, this agreement represents a significant milestone in addressing ongoing inconsistencies in advertising standards across the country’s gaming industry. The new framework is set to take effect on April 1, 2026.
The MoU provides a structured platform for collaboration between federal and state authorities, ensuring that gaming and lottery operators adhere to a consistent set of advertising guidelines across all media channels nationwide.
Speaking at the event, ARCON’s Director-General, Olalekan Fadolapo, emphasized the importance of this partnership in eliminating fragmented regulatory practices. He stated, “This agreement brings much-needed coherence to the regulation and operation of gaming advertising in Nigeria. Working in silos creates avoidable challenges, including regulatory gaps that may expose consumers and the broader economy to risk.”
Under the terms of the MoU, ARCON and FSGRN will jointly develop and enforce a unified advertising regulatory framework applicable across all FSGRN member states. This ensures that promotional campaigns by gaming companies on national and digital platforms align with both federal advertising standards and state-level gaming regulations.
Fadolapo noted that the collaboration respects Nigeria’s constitutional structure, where advertising falls under federal jurisdiction, while gaming regulation is the responsibility of state governments, as reaffirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in its 2024 ruling. He added, “This MoU represents a practical alignment of these distinct mandates, enabling both levels of government to work together effectively rather than at cross purposes.”
The agreement also reflects the broader vision of cooperative governance promoted by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing synergy between federal and state institutions in advancing national development objectives. With participation from 25 member states under FSGRN, the initiative is expected to enhance regulatory clarity, strengthen consumer protection, and improve the integrity and public perception of Nigeria’s gaming industry.
