Social media influencer, Reno Omokri, is calling on President Bola Tinubu to take action and ban sports betting apps in Nigeria. Omokri suggests that such a move could contribute to improving the value of the Naira.
Citing information from the National Lottery Trust Fund, Omokri points out that a staggering “$1 billion is spent on gambling daily in Nigeria.” He expresses concern that a significant portion of this money is leaving the country, affecting the nation’s economy.
In a series of tweets, Omokri proposes that President Tinubu issue an Executive Order empowering the Nigerian Communications Commission to remove sports betting apps from the App Store of GSM Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. Additionally, he suggests revoking the licenses of physical sports betting operators in the country.
Omokri emphasizes that this action could have a more positive impact on the economy compared to other measures, stating, “It makes better sense than Buhari’s draconian #TwitterBan.”
Highlighting the economic implications, Omokri notes that the average Nigerian spends “$15 daily on sports betting and other types of gambling.” He points out that the majority of this money is leaving Nigeria and going to foreign nations, which, in turn, negatively affects the Naira’s sustainability.
Expressing concern over the widespread issue of gambling in Nigeria, Omokri states, “There is such an epidemic of gambling in Nigeria, and it is destroying Nigerian youths.” He urges President Tinubu to take swift action, emphasizing the threat to national security posed by the gambling epidemic.
Omokri also condemns the illegal means some Nigerian youths resort to in order to fund their gambling habits. He urges Tinubu to address this pressing matter for the overall well-being of the nation.
The call for action aligns with recent discussions within the government about finding lasting solutions to challenges in the gaming sector. The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring the sustainable growth and development of the gaming industry.
According to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Bello Maigari, the Fund generated N2.5 billion in 2023. However, he clarified that the entire sum had been spent on various projects across the country, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues related to the gaming sector.
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