The dispute centres on the Supreme Court’s landmark November 2024 judgment, which affirmed that gambling, lotteries, and gaming regulation fall under states’ residual powers, not federal authority.
Despite that ruling, federal lawmakers have continued pushing the Central Gaming Bill — legislation that would centralise gaming regulation under Abuja.
Lagos Attorney-General Lawal Pedro, SAN, filed the motion with Bode Olanipekun, SAN, as lead counsel. The state submitted Form 48, a procedural notice issued under Order 9 Rule 13 of the Supreme Court Rules, formally warning the National Assembly that failure to comply with the 2024 judgment could attract imprisonment for contempt.
Olanipekun argued that the bill’s provisions “directly breach the Supreme Court’s judgement” by reintroducing elements of the previously invalidated federal gaming framework without any constitutional amendment to the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.
He said the National Assembly cannot legislate on gaming unless relevant constitutional lists are altered — something that has not happened since the judgment.
A repeat of last year’s constitutional battle
Observers say the dispute mirrors the 2023–2024 standoff, when Lagos and several other states challenged the federal government’s attempt to regulate lotteries and gambling nationwide. That case ended with the Supreme Court affirming state-level jurisdiction and striking down the federal regulatory framework.
Now, states and stakeholders — including the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) — are preparing for what appears to be another constitutional showdown.
High stakes for revenue and regulatory control
If Lagos wins again, the ruling would preserve the status quo, allowing states to continue regulating gaming activities, issuing licences, and collecting gaming-related revenues.
However, if the Central Gaming Bill survives judicial scrutiny:
- States would be compelled to align their gaming laws with federal legislation.
- The federal government would gain control over licensing, compliance, and taxation.
- A significant share of gaming tax revenue — currently retained by states — would flow to federal coffers.
Analysts warn that this would reshape Nigeria online betting and lottery sector, possibly centralising operations much like telecommunications and banking.
What’s next?
The Supreme Court will first determine whether Lagos can proceed with contempt charges. If granted, the proceedings could force the National Assembly to halt progress on the Central Gaming Bill pending a full constitutional hearing.
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s gaming sector say the outcome will define the future of gaming regulation, determining whether Nigeria maintains a state-led model or transitions to a federalised framework.
