Senate Asks NDLEA To Represent Amendment Bill Rejected By Tinubu
The Senate on Monday asked the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to represent an amendment to an existing Act rejected by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025.
The President had withheld assent to the amended bill on grounds that it conflicted with Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
But while asking the NDLEA to represent the bill, the Senate urged the Agency to work in synergy with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for a comprehensive review of the country’s anti-drug war regime.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele made the call to the Agency during a technical workshop of the NHRC@Civil Society, Human Rights Defenders Forum and Human Rights Expo held in Abuja on Monday.
The workshop, titled “Towards a Comprehensive Drug Harm Reduction Strategy in Nigeria: Legislative Perspectives and Opportunities,” was convened to improve drug laws and policies.
Bamidele, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Charles Luri-Bala, commended the NHRC and its strategic partners for organising the workshop aimed at crafting a comprehensive drug harm reduction strategy for the country.
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He noted that the Senate recognised the challenges posed by illicit drug use, requiring a multi-sectoral approach that respects the fundamental rights of all persons, particularly those in vulnerable populations.
“At the National Assembly, we believe that an effective drug strategy must shift away from overly punitive policies that only exacerbate stigma to comprehensive approach that prioritises treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.
“These are the issues that informed the decision of the 10th National Assembly to amend the National Drug Law Enforcement Act, 2004. But Mr. President declined assent to the bill because it conflicted with Section 58(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The Senate Leader observed that the fact that the president declined assent to the bill in June 2025 does not mean the bill cannot be brought again if the section that conflicts with the Constitution is substantially addressed.
He urged the relevant stakeholders to work together towards this end, stressing that the bill, if eventually enacted, will revolutionise the country’s anti-drug war and its significance to national development.
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The Senate assured the stakeholders that its members are committed to reviewing and supporting an amendment to the legislation that would provide adequate legal and institutional backing for evidence‑based drug‑harm‑reduction strategies.
“The insights and recommendations generated from this workshop, particularly from the legal and specialist perspectives, will be invaluable for the National Assembly as we consider necessary policy reforms.”
The rejected amendment sought for the retention of part of the proceeds seized by NDLEA from drug related offenders, but the President had insisted that all proceeds of crime must be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account of the Federal Government.
