Nigeria's Enugu state supports Supreme Court ruling on lottery regulation

The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC) has expressed strong support for the recent Supreme Court ruling that nullified the National Lottery Act, as reported by This Day. 

This decision restricts the regulatory authority of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) to the Federal Capital Territory, affirming that state governments hold the constitutional power to oversee gaming and lottery activities within their jurisdictions. ESGC's Executive Secretary, Prince Arinze Arum, emphasized that the judgment empowers states as the sole regulators of gaming, declaring any federal claims outside the FCT as unconstitutional.

The commission responded to concerns raised by a national newspaper regarding ongoing lottery operations despite the ruling. ESGC clarified that operators must engage directly with state regulators to avoid being classified as illegal. The statement highlighted that this ruling is a victory for federalism and state rights under the amended 1999 Constitution.