On December 22, 2025, President Bola Tinubu firmly stated that he will not approve the Central Gaming Bill passed by the National Assembly. Addressing members at the APC National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized his responsibility as a “constitutional democrat” to honor the limitations of federal power and respect the boundaries established by law.
The controversial bill, approved on December 2, aimed to transfer regulatory powers over lottery and gaming from the states to the federal government, including the Federal Capital Territory. This proposal quickly faced strong opposition from various quarters.
The Attorney-General of Lagos State, represented by legal luminary Wole Olanipekun, SAN, formally communicated with the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, warning that supporting the bill would be inconsistent with a previous Supreme Court decision. The Supreme Court had invalidated the National Lottery Act in a prior ruling, affirming that the regulation of lottery and gaming is not within the legislative scope of the National Assembly.
President Tinubu asserted, “Let us not be mistaken about centralized lottery control. A review of the constitution clearly indicates it is a residual matter.” He clarified further, “Residual matters are exclusively for the legislative prerogative of the states. Lottery, lotto law, centralized lotto, gaming, and similar activities… I examined the proposal thoroughly, and as it stands, I cannot endorse it.”
Prominent lawyer Olanipekun lauded the president’s decision, expressing his appreciation for the consistency shown with prior commitments regarding the lottery bill. He remarked that the refusal to sign underscores respect for both the Supreme Court’s authority and the constitutional provisions. Olanipekun further asserted that the National Assembly acted out of turn by attempting to resuscitate a federal lottery law that had already been nullified by the judiciary. He viewed the president’s decision as a demonstration of constitutional democracy in practice, and commended the Attorney-General of the Federation for upholding constitutional integrity.
The broader context of this decision reveals the ongoing tension between federal and state powers in Nigeria. The National Assembly’s effort to centralize control over gaming activities reflects a broader move by some federal bodies to extend their influence over sectors traditionally managed by state governments. This is not an isolated incident; similar attempts have been noted in areas such as telecommunications and oil sector regulation, where states have fought to maintain their autonomy against federal encroachment.
From an economic perspective, gaming and lotteries represent a significant source of revenue for Nigerian states. The prospect of federal control could potentially streamline operations and unify regulatory frameworks across the nation. However, critics argue that such centralization could undermine state revenue and lead to overregulation, stifling local innovation and growth within the sector.
There are those who believe that a unified federal framework for gaming could lead to increased investment and a more attractive environment for international gaming companies. These advocates suggest that the federal oversight could offer more consistent regulation, potentially leading to greater transparency and trust in Nigeria’s gaming industry.
Conversely, opponents of the bill caution that the loss of state control over gaming could disrupt local economies and result in financial dependency on federal allocations. Additionally, they fear that without the ability to tailor regulations to their specific needs, states may struggle to address local issues effectively, which could ultimately harm their economic development.
One perspective holds that the Supreme Court’s previous ruling should be the guiding principle in this matter, reinforcing the importance of adhering to judiciary interpretations of the constitution. Courts have consistently championed the idea that states should retain control over matters that directly impact their financial health and governance capabilities.
President Tinubu’s refusal to sign the Central Gaming Bill is reflective of a broader commitment to maintaining the balance of power between federal and state governments, an issue that will likely continue to be at the forefront of Nigerian politics. This decision sets a precedent for how similar conflicts might be handled in the future, sending a clear message that constitutional boundaries must be respected.
In the weeks and months to follow, it will be crucial for stakeholders in both federal and state governments to engage in dialogue to find a workable compromise that respects the autonomy of states while potentially harnessing the economic benefits of a coordinated national gaming policy. The outcome of these discussions could shape the future landscape of Nigeria’s gaming industry and determine the degree to which state and federal interests can find common ground.
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