Lottery Commission collaborates with police on oversight and enforcement

In order to strengthen the country’s lottery industry, the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) announced it would strengthen its partnership with the Nigerian police.

This was said in a statement released on Sunday by Mr. Magnus Ekechukwu, Deputy Director/Head Public Affairs, NLRC, after he met with Kayode Egbetokun, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, and quoted the Director-General of the Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila.

At the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the visit happened on Friday.

The conference highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the two organisations designed to guarantee the oversight, assessment, and enforcement of the commission’s operations while preserving the rule of law.

Gbajabiamila complimented Egbetokun on his appointment and conveyed his gratitude for the kind welcome he had received.

The head of the lottery commission emphasised the significance of maintaining openness, fairness, and security in all parts of their operations while acknowledging the crucial role lotteries played in the nation’s entertainment and socioeconomic growth.

He pointed out that their transparent business practises were crucial to upholding stakeholders’ trust and the interests of the general public.

Gbajabiamila outlined the shared accountability of both groups in preventing fraud, manipulation, and other illegal acts that can jeopardise the public’s trust in the lottery sector.

He emphasised in particular how the NLRC relies on police officers to monitor and enforce compliance in the lottery industry.

This visit intends to strengthen the already-existing partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, which is essential to enforcing the law and preserving the integrity of our country’s lottery system.

We can effectively battle any attempt at fraud, manipulation, or criminal activity that could erode the public’s confidence in the lottery sector by working together.

In order to monitor lottery activities and enforce compliance, the NLRC will specifically ask for the assistance of police officers.

As a result, Gbajabiamila added, “we need for your help in asking Commissioners of Police countrywide to release police officers to support the commission whenever the need arises.

In his response, Egbetokun vowed to take the collaboration to a new level and reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force will assist the NLRC in its supervision and enforcement responsibilities.

He also gave Gbajabiamila the assurance that the Police Commissioners across the nation will receive the proper instructions to help the panel carry out its duties.

The Nigeria Police Force will support you in your monitoring and enforcement responsibilities, I want to reassure you.

“While you carry out your legal obligations, we will work with you to investigate and combat fraud, providing security needs for your staff.

“I have noted your requests, and nationwide instructions for police commissioners will be given,” she said.

“I am aware of the existing partnership between the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Nigeria Police Force, but I am assuring you that I will take this partnership to another level of mutual cooperation,” Egbetokun stated.