Supreme Court of Nigeria Nullifies National Lottery Act 2005
Isaac Mintah 
The Supreme Court has nullified the National Lottery Act 2005, ruling that the National Assembly exceeded its powers in enacting the legislation.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a seven-member panel, the court declared that the National Assembly lacks authority to legislate on matters concerning lotteries and games of chance. According to the lead judgment, delivered by Justice Mohammed Idris, such powers are exclusively vested in the state Houses of Assembly.
The apex court clarified that the National Lottery Act 2005 will no longer be enforceable across the states of the federation. However, it remains applicable within the Federal Capital Territory, where the National Assembly holds legislative jurisdiction.
This ruling reaffirms the constitutional allocation of legislative powers and emphasizes that states have exclusive control over lotteries and related activities. Legal experts and stakeholders in the lottery industry are expected to assess the implications of this decision on the regulation and operation of lottery systems in Nigeria.
