Nigeria's Supreme Court overturns National Lottery Act and gives power to states

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has declared the National Lottery Act of 2005 null and void. In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Mohammed Idris, the court emphasized that only state Houses of Assembly have the authority to regulate lotteries and gaming activities. "This is a historic win for state regulation in Nigeria!" stated the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority on their official Facebook page.

The ruling prohibits the enforcement of the National Lottery Act in all states except for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the National Assembly retains legislative powers. Justice Idris noted, "The National Assembly does not have the authority to legislate on matters concerning lotteries and games of chance."

The case originated in 2008 when the Attorney General of Lagos State filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government regarding control over the gaming sector. Ekiti State joined as a co-plaintiff in October 2020, and attorneys general from 34 other states were added as defendants in November 2022.

The plaintiffs argued that lotteries do not fall within the 68 subjects for which the National Assembly has exclusive legislative authority under the 1999 Constitution. This ruling is expected to reshape the gaming industry landscape in Nigeria as states gain full control over their lottery operations.