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National Assembly Approves Life Imprisonment for Drug Traffickers in New Bill

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 22nd, 2024.

National Assembly Approves Life Imprisonment for Drug Traffickers in New Bill

National Assembly Complex

In a significant move to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and related crimes, the National Assembly has passed an amendment to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, introducing life imprisonment for those involved in the illicit drug trade.

The amendment was adopted following the approval of the harmonized report by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, presented the report, highlighting that the revised law imposes harsher penalties to act as a deterrent against drug-related offenses.

“Anyone caught unlawfully involved in the storage, transportation, or concealment of dangerous drugs or controlled substances—especially if armed or disguised—will face life imprisonment upon conviction,” Monguno stated.

The amendment was approved by the Senate through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary, overseen by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

In addition to the drug law amendment, the Senate also passed the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill, 2024, which seeks to replace the outdated 2004 RMAFC Act. Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, emphasized the need for reform, pointing to Nigeria’s shifting economic landscape and growing population.

“The current law, last updated over 20 years ago, no longer meets the demands of Nigeria’s evolving economic situation. This new bill will provide better funding and restructure the commission to enhance its efficiency,” Abdullahi explained, stressing the importance of adequate funding from the Federation Account to enable the RMAFC to carry out its constitutional duties effectively.