RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to support Nigeria’s gaming industry following the successful raising of $500,000 in angel investment by Vatar Inc., developer of the popular browser-based game Lagos Life.
Atiku made the commitment in a post on X on Monday, describing the funding achievement as evidence of the growing potential of Nigerian technology entrepreneurs and digital content creators.
He said the development demonstrated that young Nigerians could build competitive entertainment businesses capable of attracting international attention and investment.
The former vice president outlined plans to support e-sports leagues and tournaments, introduce incentives for gaming infrastructure and provide grants and business development opportunities for local game developers.
He also proposed establishing incubators and export platforms to help Nigerian gaming companies expand into international markets.
Atiku maintained that gaming should be recognised as an emerging economic sector capable of creating employment opportunities and generating revenue.
His comments followed reports that Vatar Inc., the company behind Lagos Life, secured $500,000 in an angel funding round at a reported valuation of $10 million.
The investment was announced on October 9, just days after the game launched on October 1.
According to the company, the funding attracted prominent Nigerian technology investors, including Flutterwave Chief Executive Officer Olugbenga Agboola, Terra Industries co-founder Nathan Nwachuku and Mono co-founder Abdulhamid Hassan.
Vatar’s co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Shalom Rayhamen, attributed the successful fundraising to growing investor interest and the game’s rapid adoption.
Rayhamen explained that the company concluded the investment process quickly to concentrate on improving the product and expanding its operations.
Lagos Life is an interactive online game that allows users to experience a virtual representation of Lagos, including securing employment, earning virtual currency, renting accommodation and interacting with other players.
The game has attracted considerable attention since its launch, with its developers reporting millions of users within its first weeks.
Vatar said the investment would support further product development and the introduction of additional virtual cities.
The funding announcement has drawn attention to the commercial opportunities available in Nigeria’s gaming and digital entertainment industry.
Atiku’s proposals, however, remain political commitments and have not been introduced as government programmes.
The development highlights growing investor interest in locally developed digital entertainment products and the potential for Nigerian creators to expand their businesses beyond the domestic market.
