Nigeria’s gaming sector gets new rules for foreign tech agreements
The measures also include provisions for local content development, ensuring that Nigerian developers and firms are engaged in projects to boost indigenous participation and innovation in the tech sector.
Nigeria.- The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has unveiled new directives requiring registration of foreign gaming technology agreements in Nigeria. Announced in Lagos during a workshop titled “Driving Compliance, Enabling Growth: Understanding NOTAP’s New Directives for the Gaming Sector”, the changes are intended to bring structure and trust into an industry crowded with promise and risk.
A key aspect of the reforms is a rule that mandates any agreement involving foreign software, engines, cloud infrastructure, digital payment platforms or other imported gaming technologies to register with NOTAP. The goal is to ensure that contracts are fair, protect intellectual property and guard against excessive capital flight.
The measures also include provisions for local content development, ensuring that Nigerian developers and firms are engaged in software development projects to boost indigenous participation and innovation in the tech sector.
Dr Obiageli Amadiobi, NOTAP’s Director General, represented by Victor Anih, Deputy Director of the Technology Transfer Registration Department, emphasised that the aim of the new reforms is not to punish but promote sustainable growth. She noted that technology drives the growth of the gaming sector which has tens of millions of Nigerians participating annually, and that unregistered agreements can lead to unclear ownership rights.
Operators and stakeholders at the workshop, including members of the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers and Azare Consulting (NOTAP’s approved local vendor), welcomed the move. However, they asked for clearer rules addressing the variety and complexity of technologies used in gaming, which differ from those used in fintech. They also raised concerns about the practicality of the initiative, impact on in-house IT departments and other unclear areas that seemed to revive aspects of the defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission.
The gaming industry’s annual revenue is estimated to be over ₦250 billion (€150m), with predictions that it could reach nearly ₦500 billion (€287.5m) in the next five years if well-regulated.
Speakers said that properly registered technology agreements would improve investor confidence, give operators a stronger legal footing and make Nigeria more attractive internationally.
The workshop ended with a shared sense that while enforcement must begin, the industry needs ongoing dialogue to smooth the transition.
