The Senate has considered the Bill for an Act to amend the National Lottery Act, with a view to making provisions for effective operation of Lottery in Nigeria. The Bill has been referred to its Committee on Youths and Sports for further legislative work.

The Lottery Bill 2005 SB. 227, which passed second reading during Wednesday plenary session at the Upper Chamber, was sponsored by Senator Dino Melaye of Kogi West Senatorial District, and received the light of the day as there was no objection from any senator during their contributions on the Bill.
Furthermore, many senators got interested in the amendment process, describing it as timely as the government is looking for other sources of revenue.
Leading the debate, Senator Melaye stressed that the crux of the Lottery Bill amendment is to reposition it as a productive sector and veritable national revenue source.
He added: “Lottery can make more money for the country as petroleum, unlike the miserly N5 billion it currently generates.”
The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, appreciated the sponsor for his foresight on the Lottery Bill Amendment, adding that “the Lottery has been used for revenue generation in developed economies and Nigeria should not be left behind.”
Senator Biodun Olujimi, representing Ekiti South, in his comment, admitted that the participation in Lottery is increasing as well as government's interest, while His colleague from the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Fatima Raji-Rasaki, indicated that it will increase revenue and protect integrity of lottery and the players.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, thanked all the contributors to the debate, and stated that “the major point is that it is a critical time with the nation is looking for revenue and lottery is one way.”

•Photo shows Senator Dino Melaye.

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