President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Bill 2026 to the Senate for consideration and passage into law, seeking a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s existing drug enforcement laws.
The President’s letter to that effect was read during plenary on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter, Tinubu said the bill was submitted in accordance with Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, and the Indian Hemp Act, Cap I6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
According to the President, the bill is designed to establish a consolidated legal framework to strengthen the country’s fight against illicit drugs.
The proposed law covers the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of hard drugs, while also seeking to empower the agency to investigate persons suspected of involvement in drug-related activities.
Tinubu expressed confidence in the legislature’s speedy consideration of the proposal.
He wrote: “While looking forward to the usual expeditious consideration of this submission, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Following the presentation of the letter, the Senate President referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative action.
The proposed legislation is expected to undergo the required legislative processes before the Senate determines its next course of action.
