The Oyo State Government has said it hopes to increase its revenue generation in the gaming and lottery industry by N500 million annually.

This was disclosed recently by the Director-General, Oyo State Gaming Board (OYSGB), Mr. Jide Boladuro, while briefing newsmen on the State Government’s pursuit of increased revenues.

He revealed that on the assumption of office, the board has generated over N200 million, deployed towards developmental projects infrastructure, health, education and sports.

He however said that Oyo State Government intends to protect consumers and keep the gambling sector fair and safe.

Boladuro said: “It is clear that gaming and lottery is a vital and growing part of revenue generation in Oyo State. It is worth mentioning, that gaming is meant for adult population. In this regard, there would be zero tolerance for under-age gaming in Oyo State as we expect all operators to adhere strictly to this policy.”

“It is also imperative, that as regulators, we sensitise the public on responsible gaming, not just for the underage, but to curb irresponsible gaming addiction that is detrimental to the society,” he added.

Mr. Boladuro further disclosed that he has been mandated as the DG, to deliver regulation in the public interest, build public and consumer trust necessary for long term sustainability and growth in the market, ensure fairness and openness to operators and consumers, ensure investors comply with their mandatory corporate social responsibility.

“Expanding the gaming and lottery market through the introduction of more segments like the state lottery, society lottery, scratch cards, casinos, more pools etc. Maintaining gaming market integrity,” he mentioned.

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Oyo State Government has reiterated its assurance to the people of the State that the administration would not increase tax on business enterprises in order to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State.

The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Internal Revenue Service (OYSIRS), Aremo John Adeleke stated this in a chat with journalists in his office recently, saying that Governor Seyi Makinde was applying sympathy and empathy in his dealings on the matter since the new administration came to office.

According to Aremo Adeleke, the Government was working assiduously to capture other areas that have not been explored to generate more revenue to the coffers of the State, adding that a culture of efficient and leak-proof collection in all areas of revenue would be put in place.

He said, “Instead of tax increment, we are emphasizing efficient collection of existing revenue and we are bringing our informal sector into the tax net. Besides, we are reaching out to other geopolitical zones in our tax campaign.

“The good performance of Governor Seyi Makinde has also changed the attitude of the stakeholders towards tax payment. Most of them are responding without any reminder. However, the economy is a big challenge for many companies as this has implication on Pay As You Earn (PAYE) remittances.

Adeleke explained further that those that were reluctant to respond were being served reminders after which thorough enforcement would follow, assuring that any steps to be taken to enforce the tax drive would be legal, with human face.

The Chairman added that though churches and mosques were exempted from paying taxes but those with revenue earning ventures and other businesses would pay taxes, levies and any fees applicable.

He then used the opportunity to call on those that were in better positions in the society to rise and assist the Government to improve the standard of living of the citizenry by ensuring regular payment of their tax and dues.

Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun, PhD.,

Hon. Commissioner, 

Min. of Information, Culture & Tourism,

Oyo State Government.