Nigeria’s National Assembly Adopts Life Imprisonment for Drug Traffickers, Offenders

The Nigerian National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, introducing life imprisonment for drug offenders and traffickers to deter illegal drug activities.

The amendment followed the adoption of a harmonised report by the Senate and House of Representatives.

Presenting the report, Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, explained that the revised law imposes stricter penalties.

A key provision states that individuals caught storing, transporting, or concealing dangerous drugs while armed or disguised are liable to life imprisonment upon conviction.

The Senate approved the recommendation through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

It will be recalled that in October, there were allegations of drug use among lawmakers, an allegation made by Senator Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano South) that some lawmakers consume and support the distribution of illegal drugs.

During a plenary debate on the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation Bill, Sumaila claimed that senior colleagues assist drug dealers and even consume hard drugs in their homes and offices. He highlighted the link between drug misuse and electoral activities, stressing the need for stricter control.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Rufa’i Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central), passed its second reading after deliberations on its principles.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives earlier urged governments at all levels to ban the sale of alcohol and illicit drugs in and around motor parks across the country.

Hon. Abbas Adigun (Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, Oyo State) proposed the motion, highlighting the alarming role of substance abuse in road accidents.

Read Also: Nigerian Lawmakers Use Hard Drugs and Support Dealers – Senator Kawu

Adigun cited data from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), indicating that about 90 per cent of road accidents are linked to alcohol and drug consumption by drivers.

He warned that impaired judgment, coordination, and vision caused by substance use put passengers at significant risk.

It is worthy of note that Nigeria’s President is alleged to have been involved in drug trafficking, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) earlier releasing the fifth and final batch of document records.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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