Nigeria’s Supreme Court nullifies National Lottery Act

The Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted by the National Assembly.

In a unanimous judgment today, Friday, November 22, a seven-member of the apex court, held that the National Assembly lacked the powers to legislate on issues relating to lottery and games of chance, reports The Nation.

The court held that such powers only reside with the state Houses of Assembly, which possess exclusive jurisdiction over lottery and games of chance.

In the lead judgment by Justice Mohammed Idris, ordered that the National Lottery Act 2005 should no longer be enforced in all states, except the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in respect of which the National Assembly is empowered to make laws.

The judgment was on the suit filed in 2008 by Lagos and some other states.

The Act

The National Lottery Act in Nigeria is a federal law enacted in 2005 to regulate the operation of national lotteries in the country.

The Act established the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), which is responsible for overseeing the lottery industry, promoting transparency and accountability, and protecting the interests of players and stakeholders.

The National Lottery Act also created the National Lottery Trust Fund, which is responsible for managing the proceeds of national lotteries and using them to support good causes, such as sports development, health, education, and environmental projects.

Some key provisions of the Act include the regulation of lottery business, the grant of licenses to operate lottery games, and the application of proceeds from national lotteries.

The Act also provides for the establishment of a governing board for the NLRC and outlines the functions and powers of the Commission.

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