National Assembly Approves Life Sentences for Drug Offenders

The National Assembly has introduced life imprisonment as the penalty for drug traffickers through an amendment to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act. This decision followed the adoption of a harmonized report by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on the NDLEA Act amendment.

Presenting the report, Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, emphasized that the amendment aims to enforce stricter penalties to deter drug-related crimes.

The amendment stipulates:

“Anyone found unlawfully storing, transporting, or concealing dangerous drugs or controlled substances while armed with a weapon or in disguise commits an offense under this Act and, upon conviction, shall face life imprisonment.”

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

In addition to the NDLEA amendment, lawmakers passed a reform bill for the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The proposed Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill, 2024, will replace the existing RMAFC Act of 2004.

The updated legislation revises the commission’s structure and operations to ensure equitable resource distribution among federal, state, and local governments, addressing governance and developmental challenges.

Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, presented the bill, underscoring the importance of reform in light of Nigeria’s declining revenues and growing population.

“The Act, last reviewed over two decades ago, no longer aligns with Nigeria’s economic realities. This bill provides additional funding and a revamped operational framework to boost the commission’s efficiency,” he explained.

Abdullahi stressed that adequate funding from the Federation Account is vital for RMAFC to fulfill its constitutional duties, noting that previous funding gaps had hindered its effectiveness.

The Senate approved the bill after deliberations and a majority vote. It now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent to become law.