Nigeria Gaming Regulators Challenge Federal Lottery Oversight

Nigeria's state gambling regulators have called for changes to proposed federal rules governing lotteries and promotional competitions, arguing that the measures could undermine state regulatory powers confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2024.

The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) has challenged proposed regulations introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), warning that they could restore federal oversight of gambling activities already placed under state jurisdiction.

In a statement published on October 21, 2026, the federation called for amendments to the FCCPC's Draft Sales Promotion (Amended) Regulations, 2026, released for public consultation on September 30.

The dispute follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling from November 22, 2024, which invalidated the application of the National Lottery Act 2005 to lotteries regulated within Nigerian states. The Federal Capital Territory remains subject to a separate constitutional framework.

According to the FSGRN, the proposed regulations introduce overlapping licensing and supervisory requirements for promotional lotteries, prize draws and other games of chance.

The federation specifically criticised provisions requiring federal registration of promotions, payment of fees and approval from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC). Other contested measures would allow the FCCPC to supervise prize draws, review winner-selection procedures and request information about random-selection algorithms.

Olajide Boladuro, Vice Chairman of the FSGRN and Director-General of the Oyo State Lottery and Gaming Board, warned that overlapping federal and state requirements could increase compliance costs and create regulatory uncertainty for operators.

However, the federation acknowledged the FCCPC's legitimate responsibility for consumer protection, emphasising that protecting consumers should be distinguished from licensing gambling activities.

The public consultation period ended on October 20, but the proposed regulations have not been confirmed as final.

The dispute highlights continuing tensions over gambling regulation in Nigeria. Its resolution could determine how federal consumer protection rules interact with state licensing systems, with important implications for operators, promotional campaigns and digital gaming businesses.