Nigeria Announces Automated VAT Collection Process on Lottery and Gaming Activities

The Federal Government in Nigeria has unveiled an automation collection process that would be used to charge Value Added Tax (VAT) on lottery and gaming activities.

The forum, organised by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in conjunction with the National Regulatory Commission (NLRC), had the FIRS Chairman, Tunde Fowler, assure the sector operators that every concern would be addressed and transparently.

“This is not a tax on the business, but on a bettor, who hopes to win. You also have to realise that 85% of VAT goes to the state, which are supposed to be closer to us. In this case, we are all winners.” Also at the event were the Director-General of NLRC, Lanre Gbajabiamila; the representatives of the Senate Committee Chairman on Sports; the Chairman, House Committee on Governmental Affairs; and industry operators.

Speaking at the session, Gbajabiamila stated that lottery and gaming operators collect VAT from users of the industry’s services without remitting such to the government, a situation that results in revenue losses. He also noted that betting slips issued to consumers do not indicate VAT as they should.