By our correspondant
Following President Bola Tinubu’s recent refusal to assent to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Senate on Monday challenged the NDLEA and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to collaborate on a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s anti-drug war framework.
The National Assembly had concluded its review of the NDLEA Act in June 2025, but President Tinubu withheld assent, citing conflict with Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The President explained that the proposed law sought to allow the NDLEA to retain a portion of proceeds from drug-related crimes, rather than the current arrangement where all proceeds are paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.
Speaking at a technical workshop of the NHRC, Civil Society, Human Rights Defenders Forum, and Human Rights Expo in Abuja, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele commended the NHRC and its partners for organizing the programme, which focused on developing a comprehensive drug harm reduction strategy for the country.
The workshop, themed “Towards a Comprehensive Drug Harm Reduction Strategy in Nigeria: Legislative Perspectives and Opportunities”, was convened to improve drug laws and policies in ways that safeguard the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs and their communities.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Charles Luri-Bala, Bamidele noted that the Senate recognizes the challenges posed by illicit drug use and the need for a multi-sectoral approach that respects the fundamental rights of all persons, particularly vulnerable populations.
“At the National Assembly, we believe that an effective drug strategy must move away from overly punitive policies that only exacerbate stigma, toward a comprehensive approach that prioritizes treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration,” he said. “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.”
Bamidele stressed that the President’s refusal in June 2025 does not mean the bill cannot be reintroduced, provided the constitutional conflict is addressed. He urged stakeholders to work together toward this goal, noting that if enacted, the bill would revolutionize Nigeria’s anti-drug war and contribute significantly to national development.
According to him, lawmakers remain committed to reviewing and supporting amendments that provide adequate legal and institutional backing for evidence-based drug harm reduction strategies. “The insights and recommendations generated from this workshop, particularly from legal and specialist perspectives, will be invaluable to the National Assembly as we consider necessary policy reforms,” he added.
