Nigeria’s Supreme Court has today nullified the National Lottery Act 2005.
The Act was enacted by the National Assembly.
A seven-member of the apex court, in a unanimous decision, held that the National Assembly lacked the powers to legislate on issues relating to lottery and games of chance.
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, the apex court 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 given in respect of a suit filed in 2008 by Lagos States and some other states.
The development has, therefore, removed the Federal Government from interfering in the administration of lottery and gaming in the country.
