Nigeria’s gaming bill sparks federal-state tensions
With the mounting opposition to the bill, its passage by the Senate and subsequent enactment into law could trigger new court challenges and strain federal-state relations.
Nigeria.- The Nigerian gaming industry is currently abuzz with debate over the Central Gaming Bill, which proposes federal regulation of online gaming, defying a Supreme Court ruling that gives states full control over such activities.
The bill, backed by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, was introduced as HB 2062 in early 2025. It aims to create a federal commission to oversee gaming, replacing the National Lottery Act of 2005 and its 2017 amendment, previously struck down by the Supreme Court.
The Federal Gaming Commission would be responsible for licensing and regulating online gaming nationwide, as well as overseeing other gaming activities in the Federal Capital Territory. Supporters of the bill argue that online gaming, which operates across state lines, needs national rules to attract investment and prevent fraud.
However, state regulators have denounced the bill as an affront to the judiciary and Nigeria’s federal system. They refer to the November 2024 Supreme Court ruling, which decided that gaming and lotteries fall under state powers, as they are not listed in the 1999 Constitution’s federal or shared authority lists.
The court clarified that the digital nature of gaming does not change state authority and rejected claims that gaming is a federal economic matter. In March 2025, the Federation of State Gaming Regulators, representing 24 states like Lagos, Ogun and Rivers, petitioned Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The group, through its legal team, accused lawmakers of ignoring the court’s orders, which included a permanent ban on federal interference in state gaming. They warned that the bill is unconstitutional and undermines Nigeria’s federalism.
With the mounting opposition to the bill, its passage by the Senate and subsequent enactment into law could trigger new court challenges and strain federal-state relations. Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko shared the state’s reservations, emphasising the need for a thorough review of the Central Gaming Bill before Senate consideration.
