The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep.
Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) at plenary in Abuja on Thursday
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had earlier reported that
approximately 60 million Nigerians aged between18 and 40 engage in sports
betting.
According to him, weak or neglected regulations of sports
betting have given rise to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety
and addiction.
Nwogu added that it had also led to strain or broken
relationships due to lying or stealing from friends and family, financial
problems, legal issues, and job loss due to excessive loss or debt.
“Betting has given rise to increased crime rate and eventual
suicide,” he said.
He harped on the need for campaigns to prevent the negative
social impact of lottery and underage participation.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of
Information and National Orientation to conduct comprehensive nationwide
campaign to raise public awareness about the negative impact of youth
participation in sports betting.
The House also mandated the Committee on Inter–Governmental
Affairs to conduct a Public Hearing on the dangerous effects of sports betting
in Nigeria.
It urged the committee to report back to it within four
weeks for further legislative action.
NAN reports that data from the National Lottery Trust Fund
(NLTF) has revealed that over 65 million Nigerians actively engage in betting,
spending an average of 15 dollars daily.
NAN reports that NLTF), Nigerians spend an estimated 975
million dollars daily on online sports betting, which amounts to about 356
billion dollars annually.
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