Africa is on every second panel in Lisbon. The part that gets skipped: Nigeria has no federal gaming licence any more.

Nigeria no longer issues federal gaming licences, a regulatory shift that has received little attention despite Africa’s prominent presence on conference panels across the industry. The development marks a significant change for operators and suppliers targeting what remains one of the continent’s largest gaming markets.

Mosope Williams, who runs African markets for MGL, will address the current licensing landscape at C539 in Lisbon, providing operators and B2B providers with a practical breakdown of the existing regime, fee structures at current naira exchange rates, and the capital requirements now in place.

Money Movement Trumps Licensing as Primary Concern

According to Williams, the licensing question is not the main barrier facing international operators. Getting money out of Nigeria presents a more substantial operational challenge than navigating the licensing process itself. The session at C539 will cover practical mechanisms for repatriation and fund movement under current conditions.

The shift away from federal licensing changes the compliance landscape for both operators and their technology suppliers, requiring a fresh assessment of market entry strategies and ongoing operational structures.

Lagos Mandates Technical Certification by January 2027

In a parallel development, Lagos has ordered a comprehensive census and technical certification programme covering operators, B2B providers, and payment partners. The directive carries enforcement weight: systems that remain uncertified face disconnection around January 2027.

The certification requirement extends beyond front-end operators to encompass the full supply chain, including platform providers, game studios, and payment processors serving the Nigerian market. Suppliers will need to demonstrate technical compliance and secure formal certification to maintain market access.

What Suppliers Need to Do Now

Williams is advising B2B vendors to map out their product offerings and target distribution channels in Nigeria ahead of the certification deadline. The census and certification process will require detailed technical documentation and likely involve system audits.

For suppliers currently serving Nigerian operators or planning market entry, the 2027 deadline provides a clear timeline for compliance preparation. The technical certification requirement suggests Lagos is tightening oversight of the gaming technology stack, not merely operator licensing.

The C539 session offers suppliers a direct channel to clarify their compliance obligations under the new regime, understand the capital and fee structures at current exchange rates, and address the practical challenges of operating in a market where fund repatriation has become the primary operational concern.