Senator Nwoko urges caution over central gaming bill
Nwoko reminded lawmakers that a Supreme Court ruling from November 2024 had struck down the National Lottery Act of 2005, declaring that states hold primary authority over gaming regulation outside the Federal Capital Territory.
Nigeria.- The Senator representing Delta North senatorial district, Ned Nwoko, has pressed for a thorough review of the Central Gaming Bill, pointing to risks of overlapping federal and state oversight in the gaming sector.
Nwoko raised these points on October 9, 2025 during Senate deliberations on the measure, formally known as HB-2062. The legislation aims to create a national framework for regulating lotteries, betting and online gaming across Nigeria.
In his remarks, Nwoko reminded lawmakers that a Supreme Court ruling from November 22, 2024, had struck down the National Lottery Act of 2005, declaring that states hold primary authority over gaming regulation outside the Federal Capital Territory.
He said: “A Supreme Court judgement remains binding, but that does not stop the National Assembly from making a law that directly addresses or reforms the matter going forward. I also urged that we treat the bill with caution, defer voting and refer it back to the Judiciary Committee for deeper scrutiny. Legislation must respect the courts while still upholding Parliament’s constitutional duty to make laws for the people.”
The 2024 ruling stemmed from a suit filed by Lagos State against the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, which the court deemed unconstitutional for encroaching on state powers. Justices unanimously held that gaming falls under residual legislative lists assigned to states, limiting federal involvement to the FCT. This decision shifted licensing and revenue collection to state bodies, such as Lagos State’s Lottery and Gaming Authority.
Nwoko’s comments come amid a growing push against the Bill by state governments and regulators. Lagos Attorney General Lawal Pedro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, labelled the bill a “clear breach of the Nigerian Constitution” in a September 30 statement.
Lagos has since filed contempt proceedings against the National Assembly in the Federal High Court, accusing lawmakers of ignoring the Supreme Court order. Pedro argued that the Bill would undermine state revenues, which reached over ₦100 billion (€58.8m) in gaming taxes for Lagos alone in 2024.
In a petition to the Senate on September 26, the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), which represents gaming agencies in Lagos, Oyo and other states, urged that the Bill’s scope be limited to the FCT, thereby preserving states’ authority over gaming operations that employ thousands and generate local funds for infrastructure and social programmes.
Gaming operators, who have in times past been caught between federal proposals and state rules, have welcomed calls for clarity. Additionally, industry groups like the Nigerian Gaming Association say inconsistent regulations slow investments and leave online platforms vulnerable to unlicensed activity. They posit that a clear and stable framework could support the industry’s growth, projected to hit $2bn in annual revenue by 2027, while also addressing issues like underage betting and support for those struggling with addiction.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele acknowledged the debates, stating that further consultations with stakeholders would follow. Next week, lawmakers will revisit the Bill, potentially making amendments to bring it in line with the court’s decision.
