By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Senate on Monday signalled a renewed push to revive reforms to Nigeria’s drug-control regime, directing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to urgently harmonise their positions and represent the amended NDLEA Act for fresh legislative action.
The directive follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s refusal to sign the amendment bill in June 2025 because one of its provisions violated the 1999 Constitution.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, delivered the charge on behalf of the upper chamber at a technical workshop convened in Abuja by the NHRC, Civil Society, Human Rights Defenders Forum and the Human Rights Expo.
Bamidele, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Charles Luri-Bala, explained that although the 10th National Assembly had concluded work on the review of the NDLEA Act, 2004, the President declined assent over a clause that breached Section 58(4) of the Constitution.
He emphasised that the setback was not the end of the road for the reform effort.
Bamidele said, “The fact that the President declined assent does not mean the bill cannot return. Once the section that conflicts with the Constitution is adequately addressed, the National Assembly can retake the bill.
“We must not abandon a reform capable of strengthening Nigeria’s anti-drug response.”
The workshop, titled “Towards a Comprehensive Drug Harm Reduction Strategy in Nigeria: Legislative Perspectives and Opportunities,” focused on reshaping Nigeria’s drug-control framework to deliver public health outcomes rather than punitive consequences.
Bamidele praised the NHRC and its partners for driving the conversation, describing illicit drug use as a complex challenge that requires a rights-based, multi-sectoral approach.
“We recognise that illicit drug use demands strategies that uphold the rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable populations,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s drug policy must evolve from punishment-driven enforcement to more balanced frameworks anchored on treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration, principles that informed the National Assembly’s attempt to overhaul the NDLEA Act.
Bamidele urged closer collaboration among the NDLEA, NHRC, and civil society to refine the proposed amendments and ensure they reflect global best practices in drug harm reduction.
He said, “Lawmakers are committed to reviewing and supporting an amendment that provides strong legal and institutional backing for evidence-based drug-harm-reduction strategies.
“The insights and recommendations from this workshop will be invaluable as we consider necessary reforms.”
President Tinubu had withheld assent in June, citing a constitutional conflict in the section of the bill that sought to permit the NDLEA to retain a portion of proceeds recovered from drug-related offences.
The Constitution requires that all such proceeds be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.
With broad stakeholder agreement on the need for a health-centred, rights-respecting drug policy, the Senate’s call on Monday sets the stage for renewed efforts to bring the NDLEA amendment bill back into the legislative arena, this time aligned with constitutional standards and modern drug-control approaches.
