In a decisive move to curb drug-related crimes, the National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, introducing life imprisonment as the penalty for drug offenders and traffickers. The amendment, approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives, aims to impose stricter measures to deter drug-related activities.
According to Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, the amendment criminalizes the storage, transportation, or concealment of controlled substances while armed or disguised, making offenders liable to life imprisonment upon conviction.
The Senate endorsed the amendment during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. In addition, lawmakers passed the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) Bill, 2024, which seeks to replace the outdated 2004 RMAFC Act. Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, highlighted the need for reform, citing Nigeria’s declining revenue and growing population. The bill proposes additional funding and a restructured framework to enhance the commission’s efficiency.
With both bills receiving overwhelming support, they now await President Bola Tinubu’s assent to become law. If signed, the amended NDLEA Act will signal a tougher stance against drug trafficking, while the RMAFC Bill is expected to address Nigeria’s fiscal challenges and align its operations with current economic realities.