Lagos Rejects National Assembly’s Central Gaming Bill

The Lagos State Government has strongly criticised the National Assembly over its proposed Central Gaming Bill 2025, describing the move as unconstitutional and contrary to an existing Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the bill represented “a voyage of unconstitutionality,” warning that its passage would encroach on the powers reserved for state governments.

According to reports, the bill — presented for concurrence during Senate plenary on October 7, 2025 — seeks to establish a national framework for regulating online and remote gaming operations across Nigeria. It is also designed to replace the repealed National Lottery Act of 2005.

However, Pedro noted that the proposed legislation contradicts a 2024 Supreme Court ruling, which struck down the National Lottery Act 2005. The apex court had ruled that the National Assembly lacked the power to legislate on gaming matters for the entire federation, except within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“As the Chief Law Officer of Lagos State, it is my constitutional duty to draw attention to this unlawful venture by the National Assembly,” Pedro said.

“The legislature cannot directly overturn a specific Supreme Court judgment. While it may indirectly alter its effect by amending the underlying law, it cannot simply legislate away the Court’s decision,” he added.

The Attorney General reaffirmed that gaming and betting regulation remain under the jurisdiction of state governments, in line with Nigeria’s federal structure and constitutional provisions.