The Lagos State Government has strongly opposed the proposed Central Gaming Bill currently before the National Assembly, warning that its passage would violate the Nigerian Constitution and contradict a standing Supreme Court judgment.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), described the move as “a voyage of unconstitutionality.”
According to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, the Central Gaming Bill 2025 was presented for concurrence during Senate plenary on October 7, 2025. The bill seeks to establish a centralized regulatory framework for online and remote gaming across Nigeria, replacing the repealed National Lottery Act of 2005.
The proposed legislation aims to regulate gaming operations in all states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. However, legal experts have raised concerns that such provisions could infringe on states’ constitutional powers.
Pedro reminded lawmakers that the Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment delivered in November 2024, nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 and ruled that the National Assembly could only legislate on lottery and gaming matters within the Federal Capital Territory.
“As the Chief Law Officer of Lagos State, it is my constitutional duty to draw attention to the unconstitutionality of this attempt by the National Assembly to regulate online and remote gaming across all federating units,” Pedro said.
He noted that the legislature cannot override a Supreme Court judgment without amending the underlying law—the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In this case, since the Constitution has not been amended to include lottery, gambling, and gaming in the Exclusive Legislative List, the Central Gaming Bill, as drafted, directly conflicts with constitutional provisions and a binding Supreme Court ruling,” he stated.
Pedro further warned that proceeding with the bill could have “grave consequences,” amounting to a direct defiance of the Supreme Court’s decision.
“It would be tantamount to legislating in contempt of court,” he added.
The Central Gaming Bill 2025 has sparked growing debate among stakeholders, with several state governments and industry operators calling for clearer delineation of federal and state powers in the regulation of gaming and lotteries.