The president made his position known while addressing the National Assembly, where he expressed support for constitutional amendments aimed at increasing women’s representation in governance but firmly rejected the attempt to centralise lottery regulation.
Tinubu argued that lottery and gaming issues are residual matters under the Nigerian Constitution and therefore outside the legislative authority of the federal government. He urged lawmakers to revisit the Constitution, stressing that states, not the centre, have exclusive powers over such activities.
Describing himself as a “constitutional democrat”, the president affirmed that there was no basis for further debate on the issue, adding that he would not assent to any bill seeking to centralise lottery or gaming regulation under federal control.
His comments follow the passage, two weeks ago, of a bill by the National Assembly seeking to repeal the National Lottery Act and replace it with the proposed Central Gaming Bill. The legislation was passed for third reading and was expected to be transmitted to the president for assent.
The proposed law was aimed at establishing a central regulatory framework for lottery and gaming activities across the country, but Tinubu’s stance has effectively halted its prospects, reaffirming the constitutional role of states in regulating such matters.
