In an effort to combat drug-related crimes, the National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, imposing life imprisonment for drug offenders and traffickers.
This follows the Senate and House of Representatives’ adoption of the harmonised report on the amendment.
Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, presented the report, stating that the amendment introduces stricter penalties to deter drug crimes
“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 offence under this Act and is liable, upon conviction, to life imprisonment,” Monguno said.
The Senate endorsed the amendment via a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary, which was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Additionally, the Senate passed the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill, 2024, aimed at replacing the 2004 RMAFC Act. Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, stressed the need for the commission’s reform, citing 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 explained.
He further emphasised the need for adequate funding from the Federation Account for the RMAFC to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
The bill, which was passed after deliberations and a majority vote, now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent to become law.