The Nigerian Supreme Court has nullified the National Lottery Act 2005, declaring that the National Assembly overstepped its legislative authority by enacting the law. The judgment, which followed a 2008 lawsuit initiated by Lagos and several other states, was delivered in a unanimous decision by the seven-member panel on Friday.
In the lead ruling, Justice Mohammed Idris asserted, “The National Assembly does not have the constitutional powers to legislate on matters pertaining to lotteries and games of chance.” He emphasized that the authority to govern these sectors lies solely with state governments. “Such powers are exclusively within the jurisdiction of the state Houses of Assembly,” Justice Idris said.
The court’s decision brings an end to nearly two decades of debate over the legality of the National Lottery Act, clarifying that it can only be enforced within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. “The enforcement of the National Lottery Act 2005 in states outside the FCT is unconstitutional and is hereby nullified,” the judgment stated.
With this ruling, the power to regulate and manage lotteries and games of chance has been formally returned to the states, ending the National Assembly’s nationwide authority over these activities.
