Central Gaming Bill Sparks Fresh Legal Battle Between Lagos and National Assembly
The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has strongly condemned the National Assembly’s move to enact a Central Gaming Bill, describing it as a clear breach of the Nigerian Constitution and a violation of the Supreme Court’s order.
Pedro made this known on Tuesday, 30th September, 2025 during a press briefing held at the Ministry of Justice, Alausa, to mark his second year in office. He revealed that the Lagos State Government has returned to court to initiate contempt proceedings against the federal lawmakers for attempting to usurp the powers of the states in matters relating to gaming and lotteries. “The National Assembly, being bound by the decisions of the Supreme Court like every other person and authority in Nigeria, cannot enact a law on a subject already determined as outside its legislative competence,” Pedro stated.
According to him, one of the landmark achievements of his tenure was Lagos State’s decisive victory at the Supreme Court in the lottery case, where the apex court affirmed that lotteries and games of chance fall under the jurisdiction of state governments, not the Federal Government.
The Attorney General also disclosed that the state recently recovered ₦1.5 billion in outstanding taxes from a commercial bank through enforcement actions led by the Ministry of Justice. He described the recovery as part of broader efforts to strengthen fiscal governance and enhance the state’s internally generated revenue. Pedro noted that the creation of Revenue Courts at both the High Court and Magistrate levels, along with a dedicated Revenue Recovery Unit within the Ministry, had already begun to yield positive results.
“Many companies have responded to our pre-action protocol notices and have started paying or made arrangements to settle their outstanding liabilities,” he said.
He, however, cautioned tax defaulters to clear their debts promptly, especially now that the courts have resumed from vacation, warning that the state government would not hesitate to pursue lawful enforcement to ensure compliance. Pedro further highlighted ongoing reforms within the Ministry aimed at delivering faster, more efficient legal services, ensuring access to justice, and safeguarding the rights of Lagos residents.
He emphasized that justice in Lagos “is not an abstract ideal but a living reality shaping governance, protecting rights, and driving inclusive economic growth.”
