Prince Arinze Arum, the executive secretary and CEO of the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC), has called on members of the House of Representatives to discontinue the legislative process towards passing a Bill seeking to create a ‘comprehensive and harmonised’ regulatory framework for the operation of all forms of online and remote gaming.
Recall, in February 2025, the House of Representatives, has at a second reading stage, passed a Bill seeking to create a comprehensive and harmonised regulatory framework for the operation of all forms of online and remote gaming.
Prince Arum argued that the legislation contradicts Supreme Court judgment which nullified the National Lottery Act and also restricted the regulatory powers of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to the Federal Capital Territory only.
The proposed legislation is titled, “Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Lottery Act No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery (Amendment) Act No. 6 of 2017, and to Enact the Central Gaming Bill to Regulate the Operation and Business of all forms of Online and Remote Gaming Across the Geographical Boundaries of the Federating Units and beyond the Borders of Nigeria.
Sponsored by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and six others, it make provisions for the Conduct of Gaming in the Federal Capital Territory, and enhance Revenue Generation for the Federation and for Related Matters.
Leading the debate on its general principles, Bamidele Salam informed his colleagues that the move aligns with the recent decision of the Supreme Court on the conflict of jurisdiction between the Federal Government and the states regarding the regulation of gaming.
He recalled that the Court clarified that gaming, including lotteries and betting, falls within the legislative competence of states except where it pertains to matters within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, such as cross-border or international gaming operations.
“This will ensure clarity in regulatory oversight, prevent jurisdictional conflicts, and promote a well-structured gaming industry that aligns with global best practices”, he said, adding that the Supreme Court ruling underscores the need for a comprehensive legal framework that respects the constitutional division of powers while addressing the realities of modern gaming.
But, in exclusive interview with Techeconomy, Prince Arinze Arum, the executive secretary and CEO of the Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission (ESGC), argued that the issue of ‘Geographical Boundaries’, has been laid to rest by the Supreme Court’s ‘landmark’ judgment.
In his words:
“First of all, the National Assembly is key in driving this economy forward. However, and with all due respect to the National Assembly and House of Representatives in particular, when you try to legislate on issues that go against the constitution of the country, then that becomes a problem.
“The Supreme Court had on November 22 2024 made a ruling with series of declarations and others, which effectively told National Assembly that they have no powers to legislate on anything gaming and lottery. You know that is the exclusive preserve of the State Assembly. States have the right to regulate gaming in their domains. Now, I don’t know what informed National Assembly trying to repeal a law that has been declared null and void by the Supreme Court.
“The whole process is an illegality. If your argument is that the law is for online gaming; that the gaming has become interstate. And interstate becomes a Federal law. The Supreme Court stated clearly that gaming is not trade and commerce. It is not the same as ecommerce. It doesn’t work that way. The games are played at specific locations, which are jurisdictions of these States.
“It’s a complete illegality for the House of Representatives to go against the ruling of the Supreme Court and against the constitution of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The gaming industry has been making this case and I believe that as honourable members, the House of Representatives will not pass that Bill”.
The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission was established by the Law CAP 86 of Revised laws of Enugu State 2004.
Its operations are directed at providing a healthy conducive socio-economic environment for gaming culture in the state and in that regard, increase Internally Generated Revenue for the state.
*Watch out for the full interview with Prince Arinze Arum.
