By Anayo Akwitti
President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Bill, 2026, to the Senate for consideration and passage into law as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal framework for combating drug-related offences.
The President’s letter transmitting the proposed legislation was read during plenary by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
The bill seeks to repeal the existing National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and the Indian Hemp Act, both contained in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and replace them with a consolidated legal framework for tackling illicit drugs.
The proposed legislation covers the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of prohibited drugs. It also seeks to empower the NDLEA to investigate individuals suspected of involvement in drug-related activities.
President Tinubu transmitted the bill in accordance with Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides for the presentation of bills to the National Assembly for consideration.
Following the presentation of the President’s request, Senate President Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative action.
The proposed law is expected to provide an opportunity for lawmakers to review the existing legal provisions governing drug control and consider measures to strengthen the NDLEA’s capacity to address drug trafficking and other related offences.
The bill will require legislative consideration and approval before it can become law.
