In a move expected to balance growth with regulation, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has rolled out new directives requiring the registration of gaming technology agreements, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong

Nigeria’s gaming industry, one of the fastest-growing in Africa, is getting a major compliance shake-up. The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has rolled out new directives requiring the registration of gaming technology agreements, in a move expected to balance growth with regulation.

The directives were unveiled at a sensitization workshop in Lagos themed ‘Driving Compliance, Enabling Growth: Understanding NOTAP’s New Directives for the Gaming Sector’. The event  was facilitated by Azare Consulting Limited, the NOTAP  approved Local Vendor for the gaming industry in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB).

NOTAP is the Federal Government agency mandated to regulate the inflow of foreign technologies into Nigeria, ensure their effective domestication and promote indigenous technological capacity. Its vision is simple:  to create a Nigeria where technology transfer is not only efficient but also strategically aligned with national growth and competitiveness.

Compliance as an enabler

The gaming industry is a  technology industry. It thrives on software engines, complex code, cloud infrastructure, distribution platforms, and digital payment systems—much of which often involves agreements with foreign entities. When a Nigerian gaming company licenses a game engine, subscribes to a premium software service, or partners with an international publisher, it is engaging in technology transfer. NOTAP ensures that these technologies are acquired, utilised and adapted within the framework of national interest,.

“Compliance is not punishment; it is an enabler of sustainable growth,” stated NOTAP’s Director-General, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, who was represented by Mr. Victor Anih, Deputy Director, Technology Transfer Registration Department of NOTAP. This sentiment was echoed by the Executive Secretary of ANB, Gift Tuadibofa who represented the President of the association, Mr. Sheriff Olaniyan.

Amadiobi noted that with tens of millions of Nigerians participating in gaming activities annually, technology sits at the heart of the sector’s expansion. However, without proper registration, agreements often lead to one-sided contracts, excessive capital flight, and disputes over intellectual property. She stressed that the directives would help operators avoid disputes, protect their investments and ensure that Nigeria benefits from the technological expertise flowing into the sector.

The business advantage

Speakers at the question and answer session while seeking more engagement with NOTAP to understand its new directives,  urged  the agency to do a deeper study of the complexity and diversity of technologies deployed in the gaming sector, which are completely different from the fintech industry. Another palpable feeling at the workshop was that the process for appointment of Azare as NOTAP approved vendor was not open. However,   operators were urged  to see registration not as bureaucracy but as a business advantage. “When your technology agreement is registered, you have the government’s backing. It improves investor confidence, gives you a stronger legal standing, and reassures your customers,” said Chibuzor Fagbule, General Manager of Azare Consulting.

Operators in attendance agreed the initiative was timely, but there was a lot of agitation on its workability, the place of existing  inhouse IT department of gaming companies  and other grey areas that hinted at the defunct National Lottery Regulatory Commission. “This is about future-proofing our industry. We need clear rules that promote innovation but also protect local players. What is being proposed by NOTAP needs more meeting time because it can’t happen overnight”   commented Adewale Elijah of Mojabet. This view was largely shared by Gideon Odushola of Winners Golden Chance.

Growth potential

Nigeria’s gaming sector currently generates more than ₦250 billion annually, and analysts project it could double within five years with proper regulation. Sports betting remains the largest driver, but online casino gaming and mobile lotteries are also gaining traction. NOTAP’s intervention is expected to bring credibility to the sector, especially for international investors looking at Nigeria as a frontier market.

Highlights of the new NOTAP directives

Mandatory Registration of Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs): All foreign gaming technologies being deployed in Nigeria must be registered with NOTAP to ensure compliance and transparency. This is in line with the provisions of Section 4(d) of NOTAP Act

Local Content Development: Operators will be required to integrate local software developers and IT firms into their operations, creating opportunities for knowledge transfer and homegrown innovation (NOTAP Local Vendor Policy Implementation).

Intellectual Property Protection: Stronger mechanisms will be enforced to safeguard intellectual property rights within the sector.

Capacity Building: Provisions are included to ensure that technology transfer agreements also focus on training Nigerians in critical skills for software development.

Optimism for the future

The workshop ended on a high note, with an overriding feeling for subsequent meetings between NOTAP and industry operators to smoothen the compliance process.

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