The Lagos State Government has criticized the National Assembly over the proposed Central Gaming Bill, warning that its passage would violate both the Nigerian Constitution and an existing Supreme Court ruling.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), described the National Assembly’s action as “a voyage of unconstitutionality.”
According to a report by the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, the Central Gaming Bill, 2025 was presented for concurrence during the Senate plenary on October 7, 2025. The Bill aims to create a unified regulatory framework for online and remote gaming, with the intention of replacing the now-repealed National Lottery Act of 2005.
The proposed legislation seeks to govern the operation of online gaming activities across all Nigerian states, including specific provisions for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In November 2024, the Supreme Court nullified the National Lottery Act 2005, which had been enacted by the National Assembly.
Delivering a unanimous judgment, a seven-member panel of the court ruled that the Act should no longer be applicable in all states of the federation, except the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over which the National Assembly has legislative authority.
Speaking on Wednesday, Pedro stated, “As the Chief Law Officer of Lagos State, it is both my constitutional duty and responsibility to alert the nation to the unconstitutional path the National Assembly has taken in attempting to enact a law to regulate all forms of online and remote gaming across the states and beyond Nigeria’s borders.”
He emphasized that the legislature cannot directly overturn a Supreme Court decision. “While it is acknowledged that the legislature may indirectly alter the effect of a judgment by amending the underlying law, in this case, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria remains unchanged. Since lottery, gambling, and gaming are not listed in the exclusive legislative list, the proposed Central Gaming Bill, as currently drafted, is inconsistent with the Constitution and contradicts a binding Supreme Court ruling on the matter,” he said.
Pedro further clarified that, as it stands, the National Assembly only has the power to legislate on matters related to lotteries, gaming, and gambling for the FCT.
He warned that proceeding with the Bill would carry serious consequences, stating, “It would constitute a direct act of defiance against a binding Supreme Court decision—an action that represents the highest form of contempt of court.”
