The National Assembly has approved amendments to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, introducing life imprisonment for individuals involved in drug trafficking and related offenses.
This decision follows the adoption of the harmonized report by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on the amendment to the NDLEA Act.
Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, explained that the amendment was designed to impose stricter penalties aimed at deterring illegal drug activities.
The revised law includes a provision stating: “Any person who unlawfully engages in the storage, custody, movement, carriage or concealment of dangerous drugs or controlled substances and, while doing so, is armed with an offensive weapon or disguised in any manner, commits an offense under this Act and is liable, upon conviction, to life imprisonment.”
The amendment received approval from the Senate following a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary session, which was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
In addition to the drug law amendment, the Senate also passed a bill aimed at reforming the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
The proposed Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill, 2024, seeks to replace the existing RMAFC Act of 2004. This reform intends to update the commission’s operational framework to better align with Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, emphasized the need for the RMAFC’s reform, highlighting Nigeria’s declining revenue and growing population.
“The Act, last revised over 20 years ago, no longer reflects Nigeria’s evolving economic realities. This bill proposes additional funding and a restructured operational framework for the commission to improve its efficiency,” Abdullahi said.
The Senate’s endorsement of the bill, following deliberations and a majority vote, means that it is now awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s assent to become law.
