The Federation of State Gaming Regulators (FSGR) has issued a formal objection to the proposed Central Gaming Bill 2025, which is currently undergoing legislative review in the National Assembly.
In letters addressed to Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and Attorney General of the Federation Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the FSGR outlined serious constitutional and legal concerns regarding the bill’s provisions.
The proposed Central Gaming Bill 2025, sponsored by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and six others, aims to repeal the National Lottery Act 2005 and regulate all forms of online and remote gaming nationwide. The bill has already passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
However, the FSGR contends that the bill contradicts the Nigerian Constitution and disregards a landmark 2024 Supreme Court judgment (Suit No. SC/1/2008) that firmly places the regulation of lotteries and games of chance under state control.
Supreme Court Judgment
In Lagos State & Ors. vs. Attorney General of the Federation & Ors., the Supreme Court, in a unanimous ruling by seven justices, declared that the National Assembly lacks the authority to legislate on lotteries and games of chance for Nigeria’s federating states.
The court specifically ruled that:
• Lottery and games of chance are not listed under the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), meaning the National Assembly cannot make laws on these matters for the entire country.
• Regulatory powers over lotteries are exclusively reserved for state governments.
• The National Assembly’s authority over lottery regulation is limited to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
• The National Lottery Act, which the new bill seeks to repeal and replace, was declared unconstitutional and nullified.
The court further issued perpetual injunctions barring the federal government from enforcing lottery laws in any state jurisdiction.
FSGR’s position
The FSGR asserts that any attempt by the National Assembly to legislate on gaming matters violates the constitution and Supreme Court judgment. “This bill is inherently ultra vires,” the letter stated. “It disregards the Supreme Court’s authority, undermines the rule of law, and attempts to centralise powers explicitly reserved for the states.”
The FSGR urged the National Assembly to alt the legislative process of the Central Gaming Bill 2025 immediately and respect the constitutional authority of state governments to regulate gaming.
It also urged the lawmakers to uphold the Supreme Court judgment and refrain from further legislative overreach.
States in US, Canada control gaming – FSGR
The FSGR also highlighted that countries with federal systems of government—such as the United States, Canada, and Australia—maintain state-level control over gaming, despite the prevalence of online platforms.
Reaffirming their commitment to justice and constitutional integrity, the FSGR expressed confidence in the leadership of the 11th National Assembly. “We trust that the National Assembly will act in accordance with its constitutional duties and ensure that this flawed bill is not passed into law,” the letter concluded.
This objection was signed by representatives from 24 state gaming regulatory bodies, including Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers, Oyo, and Imo States, underscoring widespread state opposition to the federal bill.
The National Assembly has yet to respond to the FSGR’s demands.
