Nigeria’s Supreme Court has made a landmark ruling, nullifying the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted by the National Assembly. This means that the Act, which has been in force for nearly two decades, is no longer enforceable in all states except the Federal Capital Territory.
The court’s decision, delivered by a seven-member panel, stated that the National Assembly overstepped its bounds by legislating on issues related to lottery and games of chance. According to the court, such powers exclusively reside with state Houses of Assembly.
What does this mean for the industry?
For starters, it’s likely to lead to a decentralization of lottery and gaming regulations, with each state now having the power to create its own laws and guidelines. This could result in a more fragmented market, with different rules and regulations applying in different states.
It could also lead to increased competition and innovation, as states look to create their own unique gaming and lottery offerings. On the other hand, it may also lead to regulatory challenges and inconsistencies, particularly if different states have different approaches to regulating the industry.
Big Development
Overall, the Supreme Court’s ruling is a significant development for the gaming and lottery industry in Nigeria, and its implications will likely be felt for years to come.
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