From Premium Times Nigeria · Press Release · · 4m
FSGRN warns against reintroduction of Federal Lottery Regulation through the back door
FSGRN says FCCPC's new lottery rules threaten state powers and federalism.
In brief
FSGRN says FCCPC's new lottery rules threaten state powers and federalism. FSGRN warns FCCPC's 2026 lottery regulations bypass constitutional state authority. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
FSGRN opposes FCCPC lottery regulations
The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) expresses its unequivocal opposition to the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Sales Promotion Regulations, 2026.
Regulations threaten state regulatory powers
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
The Federation considers these provisions a direct affront to the constitutional powers of the States, the binding judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered on 22 November 2024, and the principles of true federalism…
Supreme Court has ruled on lottery authority
On 22 November 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered its landmark judgment in Attorney-General of Lagos State & Ors v. Attorney-General of the Federation & Ors, Suit No. SC/1/2008.
Supreme Court injunction blocks federal lottery control
The judgment settled a longstanding constitutional dispute over the authority to legislate and regulate lotteries and games of chance in Nigeria.
FCCPC regulations extend to lotteries
Part I, Regulation 1 expressly extends the application of the Regulations to lotteries, digital platforms and promotional activities across all sectors of the economy.
Regulation 3 invokes invalid national lottery act
More troubling is Regulation 3, which provides that promotions constituting lotteries under the National Lottery Act, 2005, must comply with that Act and seek the approval of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission.
FCCPC gains supervisory powers over lotteries
Part VIII goes further by empowering the FCCPC to supervise prize draws, monitor winner selection, demand information concerning random selection algorithms and order a re-draw where irregularities are suspected.
FSGRN demands immediate review
The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) demands the immediate review and amendment of the FCCPC Sales Promotion Regulations, 2026, to remove all provisions that encroach upon the constitutional regulatory powers of States…
Supreme Court injunction is binding
A perpetual injunction issued by the Supreme Court is not an advisory opinion, a policy recommendation or an invitation to administrative negotiation.
FCCPC cannot bypass Supreme Court ruling
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is an agency of the Federal Government. It cannot, merely by invoking its general consumer protection mandate, acquire authority that the Supreme Court has restrained the Federal Government…
FSGRN rejects consumer protection pretext
The FSGRN recognises and respects the statutory mandate of the FCCPC to protect Nigerian consumers against unfair, misleading, deceptive and exploitative commercial practices.
State regulators already oversee lotteries
Across the Federation, gaming authorities already exercise oversight over promotional lotteries, prize draws, gaming advertisements, player protection, fairness, transparency and the fulfilment of prize obligations.
FCCPC regulations contradict Supreme Court
The FCCPC Sales Promotion Regulations, 2026, must therefore be examined against this fundamental standard. No federal institution should, through administrative rulemaking or subsidiary legislation, seek to resurrect regulatory powers that the Supreme Court has already…
FSGRN calls for compliance with Supreme Court
We therefore call upon the FCCPC to align its Regulations with the judgment and urge the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure compliance across federal agencies.
Constitutional powers cannot be bypassed
The Constitution is clear: Gaming Regulation Belongs to the States.
State authority over lotteries
Section 4(7) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), establishes the legislative competence of State Houses of Assembly over matters falling within their constitutional jurisdiction, including residual matters not assigned…
Lotteries fall under state jurisdiction
Lotteries, betting, gaming and games of chance fall within this residual legislative competence, subject to the constitutional position regarding the Federal Capital Territory.
FSGRN demands immediate action
The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) demands the immediate review and amendment of the FCCPC Sales Promotion Regulations, 2026, to remove all provisions that encroach upon the constitutional regulatory powers of States…
The takeaway
FSGRN warns FCCPC's 2026 lottery regulations bypass constitutional state authority.
