Lagos State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has cautioned members of the National Assembly against proceeding with the proposed Central Gaming Bill, describing it as unconstitutional and a direct violation of a subsisting Supreme Court judgment which vests the power to regulate lotteries, gaming, and betting exclusively in the States.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Hon. Attorney General , emphasized that the Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment delivered on 13th October, 2024, in Suit No. SC/1/2008 – AG Lagos State & 22 Ors v. AG Fed & 13 Ors, had clearly ruled that lotteries, betting, and gaming are residual matters that fall within the exclusive legislative competence of the States, except in the Federal Capital Territory.
He warned that proceeding with the Central Gaming Bill, which seeks to repeal the National Lottery Act and regulate all forms of online and remote gaming across the country, would amount to legislating in defiance of the Supreme Court’s authority, violating the Constitution, and overstepping the constitutional boundaries of federalism.
According to him, “Once the Supreme Court has made a decision on a subject, it becomes final and binding on all persons and authorities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria; including the Executive and the Legislature. To now attempt to legislate again on the same subject is to defy the Supreme Court, to violate the Constitution, and to invite constitutional chaos.”
Pedro further noted that the argument by proponents of the Bill that it only seeks to regulate online lotteries and gaming is legally baseless, stating that “the use of technology does not change the character of the activity. Whether a lottery ticket is sold physically or online, the essential activity remains the same; a game of chance conducted within the territory of a State.”
He cautioned that if the National Assembly proceeds with the Bill, it would not only amount to contempt of court but also trigger another round of legal disputes that could have been avoided.
In conclusion, the Attorney General urged the Senate to decline concurrence to the Central Gaming Bill (HB.2062) in the interest of the Rule of Law, constitutionalism, federalism, and national stability.
“This is not about Lagos State,it is about Nigeria, about protecting the integrity of the Supreme Court and preserving the federation as our Constitution envisions it” He said.
Earlier in his opening remarks,the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, noted that the briefing underscores the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, constitutional order, and respect for the rule of law.
He stated that the proposed Central Gaming Bill raises fundamental constitutional questions regarding the limits of legislative powers and the authority of the Supreme Court, making it imperative for the public to be properly informed.Omotoso therefore urged for proper dissemination of this information in order to protect the integrity of the constitution.
Also in attendance includes the Lagos Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary,Mr Hameed Oyenuga,MD/CEO Lagos State Lotteries Board, Mr. Bashir Abiola-Are and Directors from both the State Lotteries Board and ministry of justice.
