THE Lagos State Government has accused the National Assembly (NASS) of breaching the Nigerian Constitution and a standing Supreme Court judgment by moving to replace the National Lottery Act with a new Central Gaming Bill.
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, raised the alarm during a press briefing in Lagos, warning that the proposed legislation—already passed by the House of Representatives and awaiting Senate concurrence—amounts to legislative overreach and could ignite a constitutional crisis.
Pedro explained that the bill, which seeks to regulate all forms of online and remote gaming nationwide, contradicts the Supreme Court judgment delivered on October 13, 2024, in the case filed by Lagos and 22 other states against the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The apex court had ruled that lotteries, betting, gaming, and similar activities fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of state governments, except within the Federal Capital Territory.
He cited the court’s ruling, which also issued a perpetual injunction restraining the Federal Government from enforcing the National Lottery Act or any similar legislation within state territories.
“As the Chief Law Officer of Lagos State, it is my duty to draw the nation’s attention to the unconstitutionality of this Bill, which seeks to regulate online and remote gaming across the federation and beyond Nigeria’s borders,” Pedro said.
He argued that the proposed bill, which NASS claims is necessary because of the cross-border nature of online gaming, directly undermines Nigeria’s federal structure.
“Online does not mean federal,” Pedro stated. “If every online activity were federal, then the United Nations would be regulating them globally. The use of technology does not change the legal nature of gaming—it remains a state matter, whether done physically or virtually.”
The Attorney-General warned that if passed, the Central Gaming Bill could open the door for gambling operations even in states where religious or cultural values prohibit such activities, creating possible social tension.
He also described the bill as inconsistent with the National Assembly’s ongoing discussions on devolving more powers to subnational governments.
“It is contradictory for the same National Assembly advocating devolution of powers to now attempt to reclaim authority the Supreme Court has already affirmed as belonging to the states,” he said.
Pedro reaffirmed that Lagos, in partnership with the 22 states involved in the original suit, would resist any legislative or executive attempt to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court or diminish state autonomy.
“This is not about Lagos alone,” he added. “It’s about upholding the rule of law, preserving the integrity of the Supreme Court, and protecting Nigeria’s federal system.”
He urged lawmakers to withdraw the bill, warning that any attempt to proceed would amount to defiance of the court’s authority.
“The rule of law is the soul of democracy. Our democracy can only remain strong if we respect the Constitution and the finality of Supreme Court decisions,” Pedro concluded.