The Lagos and Oyo State Governments have jointly declared their strong support for the nationwide campaign led by Gamble Alert to promote responsible gambling practices and curb the growing risks of addiction in Nigeria.
Their commitment was made public at the 2025 Responsible Gaming Symposium held in Lagos, an event that convened key stakeholders from across the health, regulatory, and gaming sectors.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi—through his delegate, Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Deputy Director and Head of Special Projects and Mental Health at the Ministry of Health—commended the ongoing efforts of Gamble Alert and stressed the critical importance of safeguarding public health in the context of rising gambling activity.
“Organisations like Gamble Alert are making commendable strides in promoting responsible gambling. They are not only creating awareness but also engaging stakeholders to ensure vulnerable individuals have access to essential safety nets,” Abayomi said. “Gambling cannot be eliminated outright, but it must be made safer, particularly for those susceptible to addiction.”
As part of its mental health strategy, the Lagos State Government has made substantial investments in infrastructure and human resources. This includes the establishment of mental health helplines, deployment of trained personnel across healthcare facilities, and the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art 500-bed psychiatric hospital with a 1,000-bed rehabilitation facility—touted as the largest of its kind in West Africa.
Abayomi called for a multisectoral approach in tackling gambling-related mental health issues, stressing the need for a unified national database to track cases and inform evidence-based interventions.
He also highlighted a major regulatory gap, noting that although gaming platforms are legally required to provide self-exclusion options for users, enforcement remains inconsistent.
“There is an urgent need to standardise these safety features and ensure that all platforms comply with responsible gambling protocols,” he asserted.
Similarly, the Oyo State Government reaffirmed its active role in enforcing responsible gambling regulations and reaching underserved populations. Boladuro Olajide, Chairman and Director General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lotteries Board, stated that the state had since 2023 implemented a robust regulatory framework designed to mitigate gambling-related harm.
“We have intensified our outreach across rural communities including Fokor, Akobo, and Igbeti, where awareness is typically low,” Olajide said. “With strong backing from Governor Seyi Makinde, we have deployed campaigns, roadshows, and community radio broadcasts aimed at educating citizens and preventing underage gambling.”
Olajide further warned against the rising trend among youths who see gambling as a shortcut to financial success. “This is not a reliable pathway to wealth. We must guide young Nigerians away from addiction and toward more sustainable and meaningful opportunities,” he advised.
Addressing the gathering, Fisayo Oke, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gamble Alert, described the symposium as a collaborative forum intended to shape long-term policy, foster sustainable industry practices, and prioritize user well-being.
“This platform brings together regulators, health professionals, gaming operators, and researchers to develop a unified response to the challenges posed by irresponsible gambling,” Oke said. “Responsible gaming is not a luxury—it is a necessity for the future of this industry.”
With mounting concerns over gambling addiction and its mental health implications, the show of support from Lagos and Oyo signals a turning point in the development of a more regulated, health-conscious gaming environment in Nigeria—one built on collaboration, prevention, and accountability.