Bashir Are

Bashir Are is a dynamic and innovative executive with over 28 years of experience across both the public and private sectors, primarily in business transformation, fintech innovation, and policy development. He is highly skilled in conceptualizing and implementing transformative business solutions, with a background encompassing Business Process Reengineering, Project Management, Strategy Planning, Systems Integration, FINTECH, and International Trade.

Currently, Bashir Are serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), a role he has held since 2019. Under his leadership, the LSLGA has driven significant innovative and strategic initiatives, elevating the gaming regulatory industry in Lagos. He is also the Chairman of the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria, and a Board of Trustees member for the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), where he influences global gaming standards.

Before his appointment as CEO of LSLGA, Bashir Are held several impactful positions. He was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Funds & Electronic Transfer Solutions (fets) Limited in Lagos, Nigeria, where he oversaw substantial revenue collections and electronic payments, and was instrumental in developing lottery and mobile money platforms. This work secured a $4 million innovation grant from the IFC, DFID, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His public service includes a tenure as Sole Administrator (Mayor) at Lagos Island East (LCDA) Government from 2016 to 2017, where he fostered strategic collaborations for employment and business accessibility.

Earlier in his career, Are gained extensive experience in the U.S., working as a Principal Consultant for firms like Getronics, EMC, and Northrop Grumman Corporations on projects for various U.S. Departments, including Treasury, Energy, and Labor. He also served as a Senior Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin Corporation and Network Operations Manager for Large-Scale Proteomics Corporation. His work at LSLGA has been recognized with the "iGaming AFRIKA Choice; Person of the Year 2024" award, acknowledging his contributions to unified gaming legislation and responsible gambling initiatives.