Nigeria’s Federation of State Gaming Regulators (FSGRN) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Central Gaming Bill 2025, asserting that it goes against the Nigerian Constitution. The organization emphasized that the proposed legislation also defies a recent Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the states’ exclusive jurisdiction over gaming and lottery operations. The FSGRN’s concerns were addressed to the National Assembly, which is currently considering this bill aimed at establishing a unified, federally governed system for regulating gambling and lotteries nationwide.
The Federation, supported by the Nigerian Bar Association along with several constitutional law experts, described the bill as a clear challenge to constitutional supremacy and the authority of the Supreme Court. There is a significant historic context to this objection: in 2024, Nigeria’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of state governments’ exclusive rights to regulate lotteries and gaming. That judgment rendered the National Lottery Act ineffective by restricting federal agencies from having regulatory power within the states.
The attempt to revisit this issue through new legislation is seen by the Federation as an action that undermines the separation of powers doctrine and the supremacy of the Constitution. They highlight that previous attempts to centralize licensing and taxation were already addressed by the court, which confirmed states’ regulatory rights.
As the debate over the bill intensifies, the Federation has called on Nigeria’s leading legal bodies to defend the independence of the judiciary and resist further federal intrusions into state authority. They warned that persisting with the Central Gaming Bill might provoke another constitutional confrontation between Nigeria’s federal and state governments.
Legal experts have noted that pushing forward with the bill could challenge Nigeria’s dedication to maintaining judicial primacy and the equilibrium of its federal system. The FSGRN insists that the 2024 Supreme Court decision is still binding, and federal attempts to take control of the gaming sector would not only contradict the Constitution but also threaten to destabilize the established legal framework.
In the broader context, Nigeria’s gaming industry is a lucrative sector with significant economic impact. With states currently holding regulatory power, they collect substantial revenue from licensing and taxes. This arrangement supports local economies and funds public services. The proposed centralization could shift revenue streams to the federal government, leading to potential losses for state budgets.
A representative voice within the FSGRN remarked that the centralization effort appears to disregard the regional nuances and economic realities of different states. Such a move might neglect the tailored approaches states have effectively developed to manage gaming within their jurisdictions.
However, proponents of the Central Gaming Bill argue that a unified system could simplify regulatory processes, create streamlined tax structures, and enhance oversight to prevent fraud and illegal activities across state lines. They believe a federal approach could attract more foreign investment by offering a consistent regulatory environment.
Yet, detractors counter that the one-size-fits-all model could overlook local needs and disrupt the gaming industry’s current dynamics, which are sensitive to state-specific conditions. They argue that states have developed regulations that reflect their economic priorities and cultural contexts, fostering sustainable growth and responsible gaming practices.
Ultimately, the debate highlights the tension between federal ambitions for unified governance and the states’ desire to maintain control over their domains. The outcome will have lasting implications not only for the gaming industry but also for the balance of power within Nigeria’s federal structure. As discussions continue, stakeholders across the nation keenly await the National Assembly’s decision, understanding that it will set a precedent for federal-state relations in other sectors as well.
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