The gaming sector in Nigeria is undergoing a rapid evolution, marked by contentious sectoral laws and a pressing need for regulatory and legal stability. A significant development in this regard was the Supreme Court nullification of the National Lottery Act 2005 in November 2024. The nullification followed a suit filed in 2008 by Lagos state and other states of the Federation, challenging the National Assembly’s powers to legislate on lottery activities. See our publication in respect this ruling here.

In 2025, and in a quick legislative response to the Supreme Court decision of 2024, the House of Representatives is moving rapidly to pass the Central Gaming Bill (the “Bill”) which is currently at the second reading stage. The proposed legislation, titled “Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Lottery Act No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery (Amendment) Act No. 6 of 2017, and to Enact the Central Gaming Bill,” seeks to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for online and remote gaming across Nigeria.

This Bill is curious for various reasons, it in fact generates more jurisdictional questions that would be seen to attempt to eliminate the bases and the promises of the judgment of the Supreme Court to tackle existing jurisdictional conflicts, provide regulatory certainty, and enhance investor confidence in Nigeria’s gaming industry. The power to regulate online gaming activities in Nigeria is intended to shift from the states to federal, according to the Bill. Will it?

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