A coalition of civil society organizations, legal experts, and pro-democracy advocates has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Senate, calling for an immediate end to the legislative process on the controversial Central Gaming Bill. The groups described the bill as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a direct challenge to a binding Supreme Court ruling.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the coalition condemned what it labeled a “voyage of legislative rascality, recklessness, provocation, and lawlessness” by the National Assembly, accusing both chambers—especially the Senate—of attempting to override judicial authority and undermine Nigeria’s federal structure.
Background: Supreme Court Declares National Lottery Act Unconstitutional
The uproar follows a landmark judgment delivered by the Supreme Court on November 22, 2024, in which the court struck down the National Lottery Act 2005, ruling that the National Assembly lacks constitutional authority to legislate on lottery and gaming matters outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The court, in a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel of justices, affirmed that lottery regulation is neither listed in the Exclusive Legislative List nor the Concurrent Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution. Therefore, the power to legislate on such matters lies exclusively with state Houses of Assembly, not the federal legislature.
The judgment also included a perpetual injunction restraining federal agencies from implementing the now-invalidated law in states across the federation.
“An Affront to the Constitution”
Addressing the press, a representative of the coalition said:
“What the Senate is considering today is not just a bill—it is a blatant defiance of the Supreme Court, an affront to the Constitution, and a dangerous undermining of the rule of law.”
Citing Sections 6(6)(b), 235, and 287 of the 1999 Constitution, the coalition emphasized that Supreme Court judgments are final, binding, and cannot be revised or ignored by the legislative arm of government.
“Unless the National Assembly amends the Constitution to include lottery and gaming under the Exclusive or Concurrent Lists, it has no legal standing to legislate on the matter for the states,” the spokesperson added. “This bill is unconstitutional, and the Senate must not proceed.”
Coalition’s Demands to the National Assembly
The coalition issued two clear demands:
- Immediate suspension of the Central Gaming Bill by the Senate.
- A public apology from the House of Representatives to Nigerians for what it termed a “flagrant assault on legislative integrity, constitutional democracy, and national stability.”
It also warned that continued pursuit of the bill could signal deliberate disregard for judicial authority and further damage the country’s democratic institutions.
“The Senate has a chance to do the right thing by rejecting this unconstitutional legislation. Anything less will amount to complicity in promoting lawlessness,” the group stated.
Legal Experts Warn of Precedent for Federal Overreach
Legal practitioners at the event expressed deep concern over the broader implications of the legislative attempt, warning that it could set a precedent for unchecked federal intrusion into matters constitutionally reserved for states.
“This is not about lottery alone. It’s about whether federal lawmakers can ignore the Constitution and override court decisions whenever they choose. If allowed, this will threaten the very foundation of Nigerian federalism,” said a constitutional lawyer present at the event.
