By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has cautioned the National Assembly against proceeding with the proposed Central Gaming Bill.
He warned that it directly contradicts the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on the regulation of lotteries, betting, and gaming in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing held on Wednesday, at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice Conference Room, Pedro described the Bill as “a voyage of unconstitutionality” that undermines both the federal structure of the country and the binding authority of the Supreme Court.
The proposed legislation, 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…”, seeks to regulate all forms of online and remote gaming across Nigeria and beyond.
It has already been passed by the House of Representatives and is awaiting concurrence by the Senate.
However, the Lagos Attorney General told lawmakers that the Supreme Court had, in its judgment delivered on October 13, 2024, in Suit No. SC/1/2008 – AG Lagos & 22 Ors v. AG Fed & 13 Ors, ruled that lotteries, betting, and gaming are residual matters falling within the exclusive legislative competence of States, except in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said: “Lotteries, betting, gaming, and any other games of chance are not within the Exclusive or Concurrent Legislative Lists of the Constitution. Therefore, the National Assembly lacks the competence to legislate on such matters for the entire country,” Pedro stated.
He further cited the apex court’s declaration that the National Lottery Act 2005 was unconstitutional and that the National Assembly’s power to regulate lottery and gaming is limited only to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Pedro stressed that the Central Gaming Bill, as currently drafted, violates the Constitution and defies a subsisting Supreme Court order.
“To attempt to legislate again on the same subject is to defy the Supreme Court, violate the Constitution, and invite constitutional chaos,” he warned.
The Attorney General dismissed arguments suggesting that online gaming falls under federal jurisdiction, describing such claims as “constitutionally and legally baseless.”
“Whether a lottery ticket is sold across a counter or through a mobile phone application, the essential activity remains the same, a game of chance conducted within the territory of a State,” he reiterated.
Pedro cautioned that proceeding with the Bill would have grave consequences, including contempt of court, constitutional violations, and the erosion of federal principles.
He urged the Senate to reject the Bill in the interest of constitutionalism, federalism, and the rule of law, emphasising that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter remains binding on all authorities in Nigeria.
“This is not about Lagos State; it is about Nigeria. It is about protecting the integrity of the Supreme Court and preserving the federation as envisioned by the Constitution,” he added.
