Social media influencer Reno Omokri has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider banning sports betting apps in Nigeria, asserting that such a move could potentially enhance the value of the Naira. Citing information from the National Lottery Trust Fund, Omokri lamented that approximately “$1 billion is spent on gambling daily in Nigeria.”
In a series of tweets shared via his X profile on Wednesday, Omokri suggested that President Tinubu issue an Executive Order authorizing the Nigerian Communications Commission to ban sports betting apps from the App Store of any GSM Internet Service Provider in Nigeria. He also proposed revoking the licenses of physical sports betting operators in the country.
Omokri argued that such a ban would make more sense than the “draconian #TwitterBan” imposed by the government. He emphasized the economic impact of gambling, stating that an average Nigerian spends “$15 daily on sports betting and other types of gambling.”
The social media influencer expressed concern that a significant portion of the money spent on gambling in Nigeria is leaving the country and going to foreign nations. He stressed that more money is leaving Nigeria through gambling than is being generated externally, which, according to Omokri, poses a threat to the sustainability of the Naira’s rally.
In his tweets, Omokri urged President Tinubu to act on the matter, considering it a threat to national security. He also condemned the illegal means some Nigerian youths employ to fund their gambling habits.
The Nigerian gaming industry has seen significant growth, with various sports betting firms operating in the country, including Bet9ja, Nairabet, Merry Bet, and SportyBet, among others.
Omokri’s call for a ban on sports betting apps aligns with his concern over the economic implications of widespread gambling in the country. It remains to be seen whether President Tinubu will consider such a proposal and its potential impact on Nigeria’s economy.
