CENTRAL GAMING BILL: I WON’T SIGN IT SAYS TINUBU
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has officially announced that he will not sign the Central Gaming Bill. 
He stated that lottery and gaming regulations fall under the jurisdiction of state governments, not the federal center.
The President shared this decision during an address to the National Assembly.
While he praised efforts to increase women’s representation in government, he drew a hard line against federal gaming control.
President Tinubu categorised gaming as a “residual matter” under the Nigerian Constitution.
This means the federal government lacks the legal power to legislate on the issue.
He called on lawmakers to respect the current constitutional boundaries.
President Tinubu stressed that these specific regulatory powers are reserved exclusively for the states.
He identified himself as a “constitutional democrat,” which signaled that the debate is over.
President Tinubu confirmed he will veto any bill that attempts to centralise the industry.
“There is no justification for further debate… I will not assent to legislation seeking federal control over gaming.”
The National Assembly recently passed this bill to replace the National Lottery Act.
It had already cleared its third reading and was sent to the President for his final signature.
The bill’s primary goal was to create a single national framework for all gaming activities.
However, President Tinubu’s refusal effectively kills the legislation in its current form, upholding state-level authority.
