The Nigerian House of Representatives is set to introduce comprehensive regulations for the country’s gaming sector to drive economic growth and enhance revenue generation.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, made this known during a public hearing in Abuja on a bill titled: An Act to Repeal the National Lottery Act 2005 and the National Lottery (Amendment) Act 2017, and to Enact the Central Gaming Bill to Regulate the Operation and Business of All Forms of Online and Remote Gaming Across Nigeria and Beyond, and to Provide for Gaming in the Federal Capital Territory to Enhance Revenue Generation for the Federation, and for Related Matters.
Abbas underscored the importance of establishing a robust legal framework to regulate online and remote gaming, ensuring the industry aligns with international best practices. He further stated that the proposed legislation seeks to promote responsible gaming while optimising revenue streams for national development.
He also said that the bill seeks to establish clear guidelines for online gaming operators, ensure data protection, and prevent issues like underage gaming and money laundering.
“Therefore, what we have gathered here is in line with the execution of the law-making mandate of the House of Representatives for the good governance of Nigeria and proper conduct. The House is mandated by the constitution to make laws that would help re-create the Nigerian economy and improve revenue generation for the country to enable the executive to effectively execute its mandate and programmes for the good of the people of this great country.
“This public hearing is, therefore, a legislative tool created to allow for participatory legislation, citizen engagement, and inclusion. Through this tool, the House opens its doors to allow members of the public and critical stakeholders to express their views and opinions in the process of making laws. This is critical because whatever laws the legislature makes will impact society.
“Gaming is a growing industry with the capacity to create jobs and wealth across borders. It calls for proper management and regulation to ensure that the proper things are done to ensure that they add value to national and personal wealth.”
The speaker also said that across the world, there are extant legal regulations that guide the operation of online gaming in different jurisdictions.
“These are such that ensures that operators must obtain a license and comply with regulatory requirements, implement measures to prevent underage gaming and promote responsible gaming practices, implement measures to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing, ensure the protection of players’ data, and maintain confidentiality, among others.
“It is our belief that we ought to bring our laws in line with global best practices so that we may be able to secure the gaming rights of Nigerians across borders and also use gaming and lottery as a tool for national development,” he added.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Chukwugozie Nwachukwu
said that the public hearing was aimed at creating a platform for stakeholders to share their insights, ensuring inclusive and effective legislation.
He expressed hope that contributions from the public and stakeholders would help shape a law that supports national development and protects Nigerian gamers at home and abroad.
Some stakeholders at the hearing commended the bill, acknowledging its potential to enhance the effectiveness of the gaming industry nationwide.
However, they also expressed concerns regarding the appropriate regulatory ministry responsible for overseeing its implementation and enforcement.
However, the Director General, of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Mr Olajide Boladuro, who emphasized that the national assembly cannot legislate on the bill due to the Supreme Court judgement said;
“The Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, having carefully reviewed the proposed Central Gaming Bill, 2025, has grave concerns regarding the constitutionality and legality of the said Bill and to this extent, the Board registers its firm opposition to the proposed Central Gaming Bill, which seeks to establish federal regulatory oversight over all forms of Online and remote gaming in Nigeria. The proposed legislation is patently unconstitutional, as it exceeds the legislative competence of the National Assembly, violates settled constitutional principles and disregards binding judicial precedent.“
The public hearing covered areas of regulation and remote gaming operations and the ways to tackle them head-on.
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