The Energy Commission Of Nigeria: Our Transformations Journey

​Engr. Hon. Mustapha Abdullahi DG/CEO, Energy Commission of Nigeria

Energy Commission of Nigeria came to being through the Decree No. 62 of 1979, as amended by Decrees No. 32 of 1988 and No. 19 of 1989, now encapsulated in ECN Act, E10, LFN (2004).
The Commission commenced operation in 1989 after the meeting of the heads of ECOWAS in 1982 at Cotonou, where a resolution was made that each member state should establish an agency to be called Energy Commission charged with the responsibilities of coordinating and supervising all energy functions and activities of each member state.
The commission’s vision is to ensure secured, equitable and environmentally sustainable energy supply for the nation’s economic and socio-political development.
And its mission is to promote sustainable energy development in Nigeria as provided in the enabling Act through the production of strategic plans and co-ordination of national policies on energy in all its ramifications; and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Commission shall:
• Serve as a center for gathering and disseminating information relating to national policy in the field of energy development;
• Serve as center for solving any inter-related technical problems that may arise in the implementation of any policy relating to the field of energy;
• Advise the government of the Federation or a state on questions relating to such aspects of energy, as the government of the Federation or a state, may from time to time refer to it;
• Prepare, after consultation with such agencies of government whose functions relate to the field of energy development or supply as the Commission considers appropriate, periodic master plans for the balanced and coordinated development of energy in Nigeria and such plans shall include:
• Recommendations for the exploitation of new sources of energy as and when considered necessary; and Such other recommendations to the government of the Federation relating to its functions under its Act and as the Commission may consider to be in the national interest;
• Lay down guidelines on the utilization of energy types for specific purposes and in a prescribed sequence;
• Inquire into and advise the government of the Federation or a state on the adequate funding of the energy sector including research and development, production and distribution;
• Collate, analyse and publish information relating to the field of energy from all sources, where such information is relevant to the discharge of its function under the Act;
• Monitor the performance of the energy sector in the execution of government policies on energy;
• The Law provides for the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, as Chairman of the Commission with the Federal Ministers of Science & Technology, Power, Petroleum, Agriculture and Rural Development, Water Resources, Mines and Steel Development, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Finance as members, and
• The Director General of the Commission who also serves as Secretary.
• Presently, the Commission is being supervised by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
The Commissions mandate include,
• Serve as a centre for gathering and disseminating information relating to national policy in the field of energy development;
• Serve as centre for solving any inter-related technical problems that may arise in the implementation of any policy relating to the field of energy;
• Advise the Government of the Federation or a State on questions relating to such aspects of energy, as the Government of the Federation or a State, may from time to time refer to it;
• Prepare, after consultation with such agencies of government whose functions relate to the field of energy development or supply as the Commission considers appropriate, periodic master plans for the balanced and coordinated development of energy in Nigeria and such plans shall include:
• Recommendations for the exploitation of new ​sources of energy as and when considered necessary; and
• Such other recommendations to the government of the Federation relating to its functions under its Act and as the Commission may consider to be in the national interest;
• Lay down guidelines on the utilization of energy types for specific purposes and in a prescribed sequence;
• Inquire into and advise the Government of the Federation or a State on the adequate funding of the energy sector including research and development, production and distribution;
• Collate, analyse and publish information relating to the field of energy from all sources, where such information is relevant to the discharge of its function under the Act; and
• Monitor the performance of the energy sector in the execution of government policies on energy;
Major achievements recorded so far include:
• Development of the National Energy Policy (NEP)
• Development of Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP)
• Development of overall National Energy Master Plan (NEMP)
• Conducting long tern energy demand and supply projections for Nigeria
• Promotion of renewable energy through pilot projects across the country (solar, small hydro power (SHP), Wind, biomass)
• Promotion of energy efficiency best practices through replacement of one million incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps thereby saving 40MW of electricity consumption across the country in collaboration with ECOWAS and Cuban government
• Development of a web-based national energy data bank
• Establishment of pilot bio-energy farm project for promotion of bio-diesel from Jatropha.
• Midwifed the establishment of Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), midwifed the acquisition of the first nuclear reactor in Nigeria.
• The ECN secured approval and established the following four new energy research centers
• National Centre for Petroleum Research and Development, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, for research in oil and gas;
• National Center for Hydropower Research, University of Ilorin, for research in hydropower
• National Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation, University of Lagos, for research in energy efficiency;
• National Centre for Energy and Environment, University of Benin, for research in energy and environment
• Liaise with international organizations energy matters e.g IAEA, WEC, AFREC, UNDP, UNIDO, IRENA, IEC etc.
• Study report on Energy Investment Risk Assessment (EIRA) for Nigeria 2017-2022 in collaboration with International Energy Charter (IEC), Brussels, Belgium.
• Renewable Energy Roadmap (REmap) Energy Commission of Nigeria produced in collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) 2022 in Abu Dhabi, UAE

At the helm of affairs of the Commission is Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi (Ceng, MiMechE), an alumnus of Kano University of Technology, Kano State and University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom having bagged his first degree (B.Eng, Mechanical Engineering) with Second Class (Upper Division) and second degree (M.Sc, Petroleum & Gas Engineering) with distinctions from these alma mater respectively.
Abdullahi, a chartered engineer (CEng), Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), had served as the Senior Technical Adviser (STA) to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology as well as Special Adviser to the erstwhile Governor, Kogi State, on Energy/Petroleum Resources Matters – an office he occupied for two years with glittering milestones.
A former staff of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (former Department of Petroleum Resources – DPR), he garnered cognate experience spreading over 14 years backed with interdisciplinary knowledge in energy, petroleum, mechanical, pipelines and acoustics.
With interests immersed in the applications of wave propagation techniques for monitoring, characterisation, identification, localisation of structural faults (pipelines) and acoustic engineering, Abdullahi has proven his mettle in his field.
The energy expert is equally a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE) with proven track record, leadership and management capability in areas of energy, hybrid wind and solar energy harvesting system, oil spills management, engineering management, structural health monitoring, oil and gas engineering, and strategic planning and research.
With postdoctoral fellowship as a research associate in the School of Engineering, University of Manchester, United Kingdom, he bagged a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering with bias for oil and gas structural health monitoring.
With several trainings including those from world-class ivory towers such as the Harvard University, University of Manchester as well as; he is an embodiment of total quality management -TQM. He has also to his credit several journals, numbering over 20 and has represented the country – Nigeria in international events including #COP28UAE2023 where he presented a paper on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Africa Energy Indaba Energy Summit 2024, Cape Town, South Africa and G20 Climate Change Summit 2024, Brasilia, Brazil.
Abdullahi belongs to the following technical committees and initiatives; member, National Petroleum Resources Optimisation Initiative (NAPRO) committee; member, Nigerian Oil and Gas Assets Beneficial Ownership Register (NOGABOR) committee; member, Work Team for the Development of Regulations (Petroleum Industry Act).
His credo is towards instauration and revamp of a new Nigeria, a Nigeria where there is Freedom For All: A Nigeria where ‘everybody’ is treated as ‘somebody’ – an egalitarian Nigeria devoid of hellacious cum avaricious leadership. That’s his idiosyncrasy, his ideal and he tenaciously stands by it.

Khalil Suleiman Halilu Piloting NASENI To Drive Tech, Innovation, Boost Industrialisation

Khalil Suleiman Halilu, EVC/CEO NASENI

The nation’s leading public sector organisation for technology and industrialisation, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), on September 1, 2023, had a facelift when techno whiz kid, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, was appointed as its 6th Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With his appointment, the technology enthusiast, entrepreneur and innovator will bring his expertise from private sector to bear, delivering high-impact technology and digital solutions across all sectors and agencies in the country.
The young and energetic leader’s vision is not only turning the agency founded over three decades ago around for good in terms of research and innovation, but also leading it to provide technological services to small, medium and big companies, which before now were got outside the shores of the country. This is to a very large extent spurring businesses to come up and also attracting foreign investors into the country.
Operating on NASENI’s three core principles — Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation (3Cs), — Halilu is transforming the agency from a research-based institution into a powerhouse of commercialisation, with a staggering output of 35 market-ready products. He has also championed strategic partnerships with leading industry players within and outside the country, making NASENI an attractive and highly sought-after innovative hub.
Born October 29, 1990, in Kano State, Halilu holds a first degree in business administration from University of Hertfordshire and a master’s in International Business.
Upon graduation, he returned to Kano his home state to take up a role in his family’s manufacturing empire. He at this period handled different duties, including factory manager, Gongoni Company Limited; marketing manager, Gongoni Foods; production manager, W.J. Bush and Co; Chief Operating Officer, Scirrocco International Limited.
Apart from working for his family’s business empire, the shrewd administrator and investor had at various times presided over different companies before branching out to establish his. Some of these positions were, the Managing Director, Khash Strategic Services Ltd. (2014), and KSH Construction and Design LTD (2014); Creative Director/Business developer, Africa Infotech Consultancy (2015); and Operations Manager, ZCET Global Meter Services Ltd. (2017).
Through this, he honed his skills of leading large team, managing diverse people, handling conflicting visions and goals, and managing capital resources too. The virtues garnered from these responsibilities have enhanced his efficiency and effectiveness in his new position.
Turning an ugly situation to a steppingstone for success, KSH, as he is fondly called in some quarters, embarked on his creative venture when he was unable to secure a place in JAVA and DBA courses. Determined to acquire the knowledge, the talented techno enthusiast embarked on self-research, where he stumbled on System Architecture, a type of architecture that solely concentrates on design, construction, maintaining and upgrading software and technological systems.
Assured of acquiring the skill, KSH in 2018 focused on his newfound love and created something astonishing for himself. This first creation, which drew the attention of his closed one, motivated him to do more. With this milestone, he took a bold step and began to come up with apps that provide sustainable solutions to different issues.
As a result of patronage that came in with these innovations, he, in the same year, established OyaOya Strategic Services Ltd and ShapShap Logistics Ltd to handle their clients, which at first were as few as one can imagine. OyaOya, a technological application, was designed to connect commodity traders within a given geographical location. Besides being fast, the app can effectively and efficiently promote business and give any businessman the wide mileage deserved.
ShapShap on its part is an on-demand platform that caters for personal and business logistical needs. Popular in Africa, the app connects clients with drivers and also suggests flexible route options the driver can ply to get to his/her destination fast and safe. Apart from this, it comes with an insurance cover on the goods being conveyed. The paramount goal of this app is to encourage Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) to grow, especially as it bridges the gap between businesses and the unbanked people that live mostly at the grassroots of African countries.
Not relenting in his tenacity and vision to make Nigeria a technology hub, the innovator in 2018 came up with Zabe; a monitoring application that could monitor election counts and provides detailed feedback on election process to observers. This was followed in 2019 with, The CANS, the first-ever eco-friendly technological hub in West Africa. The popularity of the hub grew within a very short period and has continued to attract environmentalists and technology enthusiasts across the continent. The hub encourages individuals to share ideas, host events and mingle with people of diverse background.
Apart from showcasing an individual attributes, The CANS serves as a centre for technology start-ups and tech savvy people to connect, learn, grow and enrich themselves.
Not ending with the breakthroughs, KSH played an integral role in the setting up of the New AD, a UK-based company that is developing and supporting global anaerobic digestion industry and other important technological inventions and devices used in renewable energy enterprise.
While consulting for companies before joining NASENI, Halilu built, deployed and maintained solutions tailored apps to improve the quality of government-citizen-engagement, support victims of gender-based violence, among others.
Being among the youngest chief executives in the country, Khalil’s leadership exemplifies his commitment to propelling Nigeria’s technological and industrial progress. His public service is a natural extension of his award-winning works in the private sector, which involved leveraging technology, catalysing innovation and building sustainable ecosystems.
With NASENI operating as a network of 10 ‘Development Institutes’ spread across the six geographical zones in the country, the agency’s boss is at home to lead the team.
This structure confers huge potential on the institution to comprehensively transform Nigeria’s innovation landscape through a grassroots approach — a potential that is realisable only under strategic and intentional leadership and planning.
Owing to his resolute to revamp the existing system, change the ways things were done and make the agency achieve its set objectives, staff and even observes have come up with a mantra: “A New NASENI.”
This catchphrase according to most of them signifies a clean and bold break from the past and the complete turnaround to new elements.
To solidify his mission a “Strategic Launchpad” was developed outlining the four Pillars of the re-imagined institution. This Strategic Launchpad encapsulates — enhance Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity; reduce Nigeria’s import bill through research and development; strategically reposition NASENI; and leverage the comparative advantages of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
Under his watch, NASENI has widely collaborated with different bodies and agencies in areas that include, coal-based fertilisers, lithium-ion battery manufacturing and processing, solar-powered irrigation systems, electric vehicles, computers and mobile phones, motorcycles and tricycles, off-grid solar home systems, solar-mounting racks.
Others are: UAV assembly plant and training school, tractors and assistive technology for physically challenged persons.
There is also a state-of-the-art CNG engineering, training and conversion facility developed in Abuja in partnership with Portland Gas. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the facility in May 2024. In all, these various partnerships are valued in excess of $3 billion USD.
HSK has also revived a stalled partnership with NASENI’s counterpart agency in the Czech Republic to finance and support a range of innovative projects combining expertise and talent from both countries. It has as well supported the ‘Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her’ (DELT-Her) initiative, which aims to increase the number of Nigerian women in engineering.
To give way for smooth running of the agency, the incisive reformer has comprehensively remodelled the agency’s internal processes to promote efficiency and value-for-money, established an innovation hub at the NASENI headquarters in Abuja, created ‘HatchBox,’ a new initiative to promote STEM among young Nigerians; and recently inaugurated the agency’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
Believing that peace and security are necessary foundations for technological and industrial development, HSH is leading the agency to provide technical support for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to reactivate and revitalise moribund vehicles and other operational assets, as well as in the implementation of the newly launched Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI). It is also exploring partnerships with the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Defense Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) to build local defense innovation capabilities.
Last month, September, the agency partook in the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Co-operation (FOCAC). The outing was another opportunity for NASENI to advance its ongoing partnerships on that front, in line with China’s new model for engagement with African countries. It looks forward to keying into the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035 and build collaborations.
With the recent developments in country, where the cost of petrol and diesel have skyrocketed, Halilu is spearheading plans to establish Nigeria’s would-be largest Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at the Reverse Engineering Centre, Abuja, to save the situation. All these are in line with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda.
For his various works, the talented administrator has garnered diverse and varied awards for himself and his organisation. His app, ShapShap, won the Mobility and Smart Cities Innovator Prize in one of the biggest business competitions in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, last year. The award, which held as part of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in Dubai, UAE, attracted many techno-whiz kids and business moguls across the globe. It was a noble opportunity to put Nigeria’s name among tech savvy nations in the world.
Apart from the dozens of awards, Halilu is a member of the Global Shapers Community of the World Economic Forum (WEF), and the Mo Ibrahim Team B, among others.

Ayodeji Adebayo Joseph Transforming Lagos Landscape With Impactful Projects

Ayodeji Adebayo Joseph, MD/CEO Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC)

Ascending the position of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, (MD/CEO) of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) on November 15, 2021, Hon. Ayodeji Adebayo Joseph brought his creativity and professional ingenuity to bare, working to sustain Lagos State’s smart city status.
With experience that spans both public service and the private sector, Joseph has consistently pursued excellence in whatever he sets out to do. With a dynamic vision, strong commitment to innovation and transformation, the LSDPC leaders has in no small measures contributed to the transformation of Lagos State landscape from its physical structure to design of roads and general aesthetics.
As a geographer, Joseph knows what to look out for when it comes to city planning and he is doing all that even to the admiration of the Thomases.
Armed with a first degree in geography and regional planning from Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, and a master’s in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from University of Lagos (UNILAG), the dexterous administrator was equipped with essential skills to navigate and excel in diverse areas of life.
Beginning his professional career in the public sector, as a town planning officer at the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Development (MPPUD), Joseph gained a deep understanding of the complexities involved in urban development and governance before joining Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), where he made a significant impact, advancing to the position of Head of the POS Installation and Support Unit.
From 2008 to 2014, Joseph was at the helm of affairs of Apapa Local Council as the Executive Chairman. He showcased effectiveness and efficiency in governance and carried out a lot of community-driven initiatives that endeared him to the hearts of people in his local council. The positive changes he implemented during this period solidified his reputation as a dedicated public servant committed to enhancing lives.
Moving to the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019, he was the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties. Throughout this period, Joseph demonstrated a strong commitment to tackling national challenges, focusing on delivering practical solutions that made a difference. His contributions during this time underscored his dedication to public service.
Since taking the LSDPC job, Joseph has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents and boosting the state’s infrastructure. His tenure has seen the completion and commissioning of key projects, including the B.O. Benson Estate, Ibeshe, Ikorodu; Owolewa Vocational Centre, Surulere; Channel Point and Love Garden Apartments, Victoria Island, which have been delivered to the state government for commissioning.
Under his leadership, LSDPC has successfully launched another fully financed project in Apapa. This launch marked a pivotal moment since the corporation began a joint venture initiative. This significant structure, comprising 20 maisonettes, on Liverpool Road, Apapa, stands as a testament to LSDPC’s resolve to enhance the area and independently offer high quality housing solutions.
The LSDPC boss visionary leadership has paved way for transformative collaborations with esteemed entities, including Golden Forest and Messrs MGE Realty Limited. This partnership has led to the creation of landmark projects such as The Crown Tower and Melrose Residence in Victoria Island. This highlights Joseph’s exceptional skill to attract investors and investment, and also to nurture alliances that resonate with LSDPC’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
Not resting on past glory, the workaholic and visionary leader is set to revamp existing facilities such as the two office blocks at LSDPC Headquarters and to embark on new initiatives, including the construction of LSDPC-Toll Heights at Ogudu.
With Joseph’s leadership stride, the future looks bright for the cooperation that has mapped out different laudable projects across the state.

Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA Honcho Work To Uplift Society

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, CEO LAWMA
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the managing director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), is an insightful and astute administrator. His visionary and innovative ideas have enabled him to serve as advisor to two past governors of Lagos State — Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Fashola.
For his pragmatisms, the late Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, engaged him as his special adviser and also Commissioner for Health. He later became the deputy chief of staff to the governor.
While in the cabinet of the two past governors of Lagos State, Dr Gbadegesin led the team that came up with the Property Identification Exercise (PIE) and also restructured the Land Use Charge (LUC) billing system. The innovation led to the expanding of PIE database to 250,000 properties and doubling revenue to N350 million in the first year.
He also oversaw the implementation of the Land Registry Computerisation project, digitising 12 million pages of land title documents into an electronic system, the first of its kind in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
As Director, Land Information Systems Support Unit (LISSU), the LAWMA boss facilitated the acquisition and processing of satellite imagery for Lagos State’s tax generation programme, this as well boosted the state revenue.
Gbadegesin’s profound and varied experience in administration and handling human resources gave him the enablement to secure donor support from the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) for the Land Registry Computerisation project and promoted knowledge sharing with other state land registries.
As Oyo State Commissioner of Health, he established the first statewide Ambulance Service and advocated for universal health coverage through the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme to give access to holistic and affordable healthcare system.
With a first degree from Howard University in Washington, DC and a doctorate in neuroscience from Georgetown University, Gbadegesin is grounded as a scientist. Little wonder, he chaired the Technical Committee for the 2006 World Leadership Awards in London, where Lagos State won in three categories, including Science and Technology.

Apart from being immersed in scientific research, the forward-looking administrator is also known for his political strategies. He was part of the think-tank of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and its successor parties. He leveraged on technology to come up with ideas and lasting solutions to the parties’ problems.

He chaired the Research and Strategy Committee for Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s re-election campaign and equally coordinated the Oyo State operations of the Southwest APC Presidential Campaign in 2015.

In a transitional capacity from 2018 to 2019, he worked as an aide to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the incumbent president of Nigeria, and subsequently chaired the Health and Environment subcommittee for Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Transition Committee.
Sitting at the helm of affairs of LAWMA, a Gbadegesin has taken the body to greater height in the authority’s public policing and enforcement drive across the city to stem the tide of indiscriminate waste disposal. Through this, shops, houses, markets and others that did not keep to waste disposal’s rules have been sealed to serve as deterrent to residents who might be tempted to engage in the act of improper waste disposal. He has also charged environmental defaulters to court for various infractions.
Resolute in his efforts to keep Lagos clean, the LAWMA honcho is marching ahead, achieving lofty goals that include the creation of over 6,000 recycling and 590 marine waste jobs in the state; collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) to promote environmental sustainability among school children, via LAWMA Academy; entering into five-year franchise agreement with 437 PSP operators; launched “Adopt-a-Bin” programme to enable proper dispose of household waste and control the spread of diseases; issued Insurance cheques to highway sweeper involved in workplace accidents, among many others.

Leveraging Lotteries and Gaming to Boost Societal Wellbeing: The Bashir Abiola Are Story

Mr. Bashir Abiola, MD/CEO Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority

Bashir Abiola Are, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), stands as a towering figure in Nigeria’s gaming industry. A seasoned professional with a vast track record of success, Are has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in his dual roles across both public and private sectors. With memberships of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the Chartered Institute of Directors (Nigeria), his influence reaches far beyond Lagos, making him a pivotal player on the global stage of gaming regulation.
Since his appointment as the CEO of LSLGA in 2019, Are has spearheaded innovative and strategic initiatives that have catapulted the gaming industry in Lagos State to unprecedented heights. His tenure has been characterized by transformative growth, regulatory excellence, and a commitment to leveraging gaming for societal wellbeing. A dynamic and results-driven leader, he has brought over 28 years of technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial expertise to the fore, reshaping the gaming landscape in ways that benefit both operators and the public.
Are’s career is a rich tapestry of achievements across various sectors, with specialties in business process reengineering, project management, strategy planning, FINTECH, and international trade. His journey has seen him hold key positions in major global organizations like Getronics, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, where his expertise contributed to significant U.S. government projects.
Notably, Are’s distinguished public service career includes his role as Sole Administrator (Mayor) of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from June 2016 to August 2017. During this period, he spearheaded’several strategic collaborations between local and international bodies, most notably the Growth and Employment in States (GEMS3) project, funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID). This initiative aimed to boost employment opportunities and ease the business environment at grassroots levels, reinforcing Are’s commitment to improving societal wellbeing.
Before stepping into the public sector, Are served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Funds & Electronic Transfer Solutions (fets) Limited, Lagos. At fets, he was responsible for revenue collections and electronic payments, overseeing operations that processed over $31 million monthly. He also supervised the company’s national network of district managers and agents. A significant part of his legacy at fets includes his oversight of the development of lottery, payment aggregation, and mobile money platforms, which saved the company over $1.8 million in annual software licensing fees.
Beyond cost savings, Are’s innovative thinking led him to co-author a ground-breaking concept that amplified mobile money and the Cashless Nigeria policy. This initiative secured a $4 million EFInA Innovation Grant funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), DFID, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His contributions to financial inclusion and economic growth have left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economy.
Academically, Are is a graduate of Information Technology from the University of Maryland and holds an MBA from Salem University. Additionally, he has attended executive education programs at Harvard Business School, focusing on the strategic management of regulatory and enforcement agencies. His entrepreneurial spirit has been exemplified through his leadership of MoneyMart in Maryland, USA, before returning to Nigeria to further drive innovation in the gaming and financial sectors.
Under Are’s leadership, LSLGA has made substantial contributions to the socio-economic development of Lagos State. The organization has consistently set a benchmark for regulatory excellence and social responsibility, driving transformative projects that uplift communities. Highlighting LSLGA’s impressive track record, Sir Kessington Adebutu, Chairman of Premier Lotto Nigeria, commended the agency’s leadership, stating, “Over the past few years, LSLGA has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the gaming industry. Their dedication to regulating and promoting a fair and responsible gaming environment has set a high standard for the entire sector. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of Lagos State.”
At the heart of LSLGA’s success is the strategic utilization of the Good Causes Fund, an initiative that channels a significant portion of gaming revenue into essential developmental projects across the state. This initiative has played a pivotal role in funding critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare. “These funds have been judiciously used to support education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other critical sectors, thereby improving the quality of life for many residents of Lagos State,” Sir Adebutu noted.
A cornerstone of the agency’s work has been its alignment with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, which focuses on six key pillars for sustainable development: traffic management and transportation, health and environment, education and technology, making Lagos a 21st-century economy, entertainment and tourism, and security and governance. By strategically channeling gaming revenues towards these pillars, LSLGA has played an invaluable role in supporting the state’s development agenda.
Among the projects funded by the **Good Causes Fund** since Are’s sojourn as CEO of LSLGA are the construction of classrooms at Luwase High School, Ijede, Lagos; the renovation of classrooms and a chemistry laboratory at Government Secondary School, Agege; the reconstruction of classrooms and perimeter fences at Local Authority Primary School, Ibasa, Lagos and Salvation Primary School, Ikare, Lagos; Grant to Optimal Children Orphanage Home; Scholarship award for study at Aeronautical Engineering School in Canada; Sponsorship of the International Award for Young people; Construction of Classrooms at Oke Metta Primary School, Shomolu; Reconstruction of Classrooms at Igbobi Primary School, Shomolu; Renovation of Unity Junior College, Agege 1 and 2; Renovation of Mahrufdeen School, Shomolu, Renovation of Model Nursery and Primary School, Olusosun; Renovation of Ojo Junior and High School, Ojo; Renovation of Classrooms at Ereko Methodist Primary School, Obalende; Construction of Ajeromi and Oniru Fire Service Station; Donation of Vehicles and Security Gadgets to the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC); Donation of Vehicles to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund; Several Grants for Medical Treatment; Construction of First Primary Health Centre at Adesalu Community, Ibeju-Lekki; Donation of Vehicles to the Ministries of Justice and Education; Donation of Vehicles to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency; Sponsorship of Campaign and Advocacy against Underage gambling; Sponsorship of the Eko STEM Quiz Competition; Sponsorship of Lagos Junior Tennis Tournament; Sponsorship of Governors Cup, Boat Racing at Lagos Yacht Club; Sponsorship of the Lagos Switch2Gas Initiative of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA); These projects have provided much-needed infrastructure, health, social, environmental and educational resources, improving the learning environment for thousands of students across the state and improving the lives of the residents of Lagos State.
Since the introduction of the new unified gaming law in 2021, which was signed by Governor Sanwo-Olu, LSLGA has been at the forefront of creating a transparent, innovative, and well-regulated gaming industry. This legal framework covers all forms of gaming, from traditional lotteries to the burgeoning E-Sports sector, ensuring that Lagos remains a leader in gaming regulation while adhering to global best practices.
The agency’s commitment to excellence was recognized with ISO certifications in Information Security Management (ISO 27001) and Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001). These accolades further solidify LSLGA’s position as a world-class regulatory body. Additionally, under Are’s leadership, the authority has become a full member of both the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the International Gaming Standard Association (IGSA), reflecting its dedication to maintaining the highest international standards.
“Today, more than 56,000 full-time employees and gaming agents operate within Lagos State,” Are proudly noted. “We have deployed an automated system to monitor gaming transactions, ensuring transparency and integrity. Our agent registration platform helps weed out fraudsters, protecting both operators and consumers. For us, the future of gaming has already begun, and we are excited about the innovations and developments to come.”
Recently, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the state, Governor Sanwo-Olu awarded Are for the remarkable achievements of LSLGA, particularly its support for Lagos’ security institutions.
The story of Bashir Abiola Are and LSLGA is one of vision, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to leveraging gaming for societal good. With his eyes set firmly on the future, Are’s journey is far from over, and his impact on the gaming industry, both in Lagos and globally, continues to be transformative. The future of gaming is bright, and under Are’s guidance, it promises to deliver even greater value for the state, its people, and the broader society.