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The Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN) has opposed parts of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Sales Promotion Regulations 2026, arguing that the rules attempt to give a federal agency authority over lotteries, games of chance, and related gaming activities that fall under state regulation.
According to a statement shared with The Guardian today, the group said it believes the regulations conflict with the legal position established by the Supreme Court in November 2024.
The disagreement focuses on provisions dealing with sales promotions and prize-based activities that contain elements of chance. The FSGRN argues that while consumer protection falls within the FCCPC’s responsibilities, certain provisions appear to extend into areas traditionally handled by state gaming regulators.
The federation said the regulations could create overlap between federal and state authorities by introducing approval, licensing, and supervisory functions for activities linked to lotteries, casino gaming, and games of chance.
State regulators question references to federal lottery oversight
A major concern for the federation is the way the FCCPC regulations deal with promotions that contain lottery elements.
According to the FSGRN, some provisions continue to direct promoters towards federal lottery structures and approvals despite the Supreme Court ruling.
The federation said the regulations go beyond traditional consumer protection by introducing registration requirements, approval processes and supervisory powers that, in its view, resemble gaming regulation.
It highlighted provisions covering registration of promotions, the issuance of certificates, powers to suspend or revoke approvals and oversight of prize draws.
The statement argues that these activities amount to regulatory functions normally carried out by state gaming authorities when lotteries, casino-style promotions or other games of chance are involved. It also warned that the regulations could create overlapping oversight structures for operators involved in lotteries, promotional lotteries, casino-style promotions and other games of chance.
Federation calls for review of regulations
The federation stressed that it is not challenging the FCCPC’s consumer protection mandate. Instead, it argues there is a distinction between protecting consumers who participate in gaming products and regulating the gaming products themselves.
In its statement, the FSGRN called for amendments to the regulations and requested the removal of provisions it believes encroach on state powers over lotteries, promotional lotteries, prize draws, and games of chance.
The federation also urged federal authorities to ensure that the regulations align with the Supreme Court ruling.
Last year, even after losing at the Supreme Court, federal lawmakers in the National Assembly attempted a legislative workaround by pushing a new Central Gaming Bill. The proposed bill introduced a “Remote Gaming Licence,” which would allow offshore and interstate digital operators to bypass state gaming boards entirely.
Ultimately, President Bola Tinubu declined to assent to the bill to uphold the Supreme Court’s verdict. Now, the FSGRN seems to have found itself in yet another battle for its legal authority to regulate gambling and lottery in the country.
iGamingToday has reached out to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for a comment.
