Atiku Pledges Support for Nigerian Gaming Industry After Lagos Life Raises $500,000
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday, 26 October 2026, pledged to support Nigeria’s
emerging gaming and e-sports sector following the success of the viral browser game Lagos Life, which
raised $500,000 in funding.
In a post on his official X account, Atiku said the achievement by young Nigerian developers showed that
the next global entertainment industry could be built in the country.
“When a game about life in Lagos can raise half a million dollars soon after launch, our young developers
are telling us something: the next global entertainment industry can be built right here,” he wrote.
“I will support e-sports leagues and tournaments, offer incentives for gaming infrastructure, and back
Nigerian game developers with grants, incubators, and export platforms. Our gamers are not wasting
time; they are building an industry.”
Lagos Life, a free browser-based game that simulates everyday life in Lagos, was launched on 1 October
2026 by Nigerian software developer Shalom Rayhamen through her company Vatar Inc.
The game quickly gained millions of players, with reports indicating it surpassed five million users within
nine days.
Vatar announced a $500,000 angel funding round at a reported $10 million valuation. Investors included
Mono co-founder Abdulhamid Hassan, Terra Industries CEO Nathan Nwachuku, Flutterwave CEO
Olugbenga Agboola (through his fund Resilience17), and technology entrepreneur Oo Nwoye.
The funds are earmarked for product development, marketing and recruitment.
The game allows players to create avatars, secure jobs, earn virtual naira, pay rent and interact in a
shared virtual recreation of Lagos, incorporating familiar elements such as danfo buses and power
generators.
Atiku’s statement comes amid growing interest in Nigeria’s digital and creative economy, with Lagos
Life’s rapid rise highlighting the potential of locally developed games.
By Oyinkansola Shittu
