The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has confirmed that the Presidency has endorsed the Authority’s partnership with KGL Technology Limited after a comprehensive review of the agreement.
Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Abdul-Salam said the contract was subjected to extensive consultations involving key state institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney-General’s Department, before it was referred to the Presidency for final direction.
He explained that the NLA Board initially sought legal advice from the Attorney-General to clarify aspects of the agreement.
This, he noted, led to the formation of a committee by the Presidency to conduct a detailed review of the contract.
According to him, the review process has been completed, with the Presidency affirming that the NLA has the legal mandate to partner private entities such as KGL in the regulation and operation of the lottery sector.
Despite this approval, Abdul-Salam acknowledged that concerns remain over the current revenue-sharing arrangement.
He stressed that the NLA is advocating for a revised structure that will ensure the State receives a significantly higher share of proceeds from the deal.
He disclosed that negotiations are ongoing to improve the financial terms of the agreement and enhance the benefits accruing to the State.
Abdul-Salam emphasised that while due process has been followed and the legality of the contract confirmed, priority is now being given to securing a more balanced and beneficial revenue distribution.
“We initiated a series of engagements that extended to the Ministry of Finance and the Presidency. At a point, we were directed to involve the Attorney-General. The NLA Board formally wrote to seek legal clarity on the agreement with KGL, which eventually led to the establishment of a review committee. That process has now been concluded,” he stated.
He added that the Presidency’s directive confirms the NLA’s authority to enter such partnerships for regulatory purposes within the industry.
“However, our main concern has always been the revenue-sharing component. We believe the Authority and by extension, the State should derive greater value from the arrangement than is currently the case,” he said.
He further assured that efforts are ongoing to renegotiate the terms to secure a more favourable financial outcome.
“The State stands to benefit more. With the review completed, discussions are actively underway to improve the share of revenue that accrues to the State,” Abdul-Salam added.
By 1960news.com
