Tinubu Rejects NDLEA Amendment Bill Over Concerns About Drug Crime Proceeds

President Bola Tinubu has refused to sign the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Amendment Bill, 2025, which was recently approved by the National Assembly. 

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the proposed legislation would allow the NDLEA to keep a portion of the proceeds from drug-related crimes, a provision that conflicts with existing legal requirements. 

The decision was announced by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, during Thursday’s plenary session.

President Tinubu who cited Section 58, Subsection 4 of the 1999 Constitution, said that the bill, if signed, was a contravention of the aforementioned sections.

Tinubu clarified that under existing law, all proceeds from crime must be deposited into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.

He explained that any disbursement to relevant agencies involved in recoveries must be made by the President, and only with the approval of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly. 

NAN