The Lagos State Government has strongly opposed the National Assembly’s move to repeal the National Lottery Act and replace it with the proposed Central Gaming Bill, calling it a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a subsisting Supreme Court judgment.
At a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), warned that the Bill—passed by the House of Representatives and now before the Senate—represents legislative overreach and could trigger a constitutional crisis.
Pedro explained that the Bill, which seeks to regulate all forms of online and remote gaming nationwide, contradicts a Supreme Court ruling delivered on October 13, 2024, in a case brought by Lagos and 22 other states against the Attorney-General of the Federation.
According to the judgment, lotteries, betting, and gaming are residual matters under the exclusive legislative control of state governments, except in the Federal Capital Territory. The court also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the Federal Government from enforcing any such legislation within state territories.
“As Lagos State’s Chief Law Officer, I must draw attention to this unconstitutional overreach,” Pedro said. “The proposed Central Gaming Bill directly contravenes the Supreme Court ruling and the constitutional separation of powers between federal and state governments.”
The Bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Lottery Act No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery (Amendment) Act No. 6 of 2017, and to Enact the Central Gaming Bill…”, aims to regulate gaming across all federating units and internationally.
Pedro rejected arguments from some lawmakers that online or remote gaming falls under federal jurisdiction due to its cross-border nature.
“Online doesn’t mean federal,” he said. “If that logic held, the UN should regulate all online activity. Technology doesn’t change the legal character of gaming—it remains a state matter whether physical or virtual.”
He also warned that if passed, the Bill could override state laws that prohibit gambling based on cultural or religious grounds, potentially sparking social unrest.
“The Bill would open the floodgates to gambling even in states where it is constitutionally or culturally prohibited,” he said. “This is inconsistent with the National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to devolve more powers to states.”
Pedro reaffirmed the commitment of Lagos and the 22 other states to defend the autonomy of state governments and uphold the authority of the Supreme Court.
“This is not just about Lagos. It’s about preserving Nigeria’s federal structure and the supremacy of the Constitution,” he said. “Any attempt to legislate on this matter again is an act of defiance against the Supreme Court, an assault on constitutional order, and a threat to national stability.”
He urged the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed Bill in the interest of the rule of law and democratic integrity.
