The Supreme Court has nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted by the National Assembly, declaring it unconstitutional.
The apex court in a unanimous decision delivered by a seven-member panel on Friday held that the National Assembly lacks the authority to legislate on matters related to lotteries and games of chance, as such powers reside exclusively with state Houses of Assembly.
Justice Mohammed Idris, who delivered the lead judgement, ordered that the National Lottery Act 2005 should no longer be enforced in any state except the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to make laws.
This judgement arises from a suit filed in 2008 by Lagos State and several other states, challenging the constitutionality of the Act.
The court’s decision reinforces the federal principle of states’ autonomy over certain legislative matters.
Details later.
