In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has unanimously nullified the National Lottery Act of 2005, asserting that the National Assembly lacks the authority to legislate on matters related to lotteries and games of chance. The ruling, delivered by Justice Mohammed Idris on behalf of a seven-member panel, has significant implications for the regulation of gaming across the nation.
The court ruled that the powers to legislate on lotteries and games of chance rest solely with the state Houses of Assembly, which hold exclusive jurisdiction in these areas. Consequently, Justice Idris ordered that the National Lottery Act should no longer be enforced in any state, with the exception of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the National Assembly retains the authority to make laws.
This pivotal case began in 2008 when the Attorney General of Lagos State filed a suit against the Federal Government, seeking clarity on who holds control and regulatory power over the gaming and lottery sector. The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a decisive turn in the legal landscape governing gambling and lotteries in Nigeria, reinforcing the legislative powers of state governments in th