In a significant move to tackle Nigeria’s growing drug-related challenges, the National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, introducing life imprisonment for those involved in drug trafficking and related offenses.
The amendment was adopted after the harmonized report from the Senate and House of Representatives was presented and approved during a plenary session.
Senator Tahir Monguno, the Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, presented the report, which highlighted the new, stricter penalties aimed at deterring drug-related activities in the country.
The amended law states that anyone caught storing, moving, carrying, or concealing dangerous drugs while armed with an offensive weapon or disguised will face life imprisonment upon conviction.
“This amendment is a decisive step towards curbing the dangerous trend of drug trafficking and abuse in our society.
The penalties are intended to serve as a strong deterrent against illegal drug activities that undermine the security and well-being of the nation,” Senator Monguno said during the session.
The Senate approved the bill through a voice vote, with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin presiding over the plenary on Thursday. The law now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent to be officially enacted.
The amendment is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to strengthen its fight against drug abuse and trafficking, which have plagued various regions of the country.
The new penalties are expected to significantly impact the operations of drug syndicates and deter individuals from engaging in such criminal activities.
While this law represents a tough stance on drug-related offenses, it has drawn attention to the ongoing struggle between ensuring effective punishment and addressing the root causes of drug trafficking, such as poverty and lack of education.
Critics have called for a balanced approach, where prevention and rehabilitation efforts complement punitive measures.
In related news, the Senate also passed the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill 2024.
This bill aims to restructure the Commission to improve the allocation of resources and ensure that local, state, and federal governments can more effectively address Nigeria’s governance and developmental challenges, especially in light of the country’s changing economic landscape.
Both legislative actions reflect a concerted effort to address pressing issues affecting Nigeria’s security, economy, and governance.
They now await the President’s signature to become law.