Tinubu Seeks Unified Drug Law as Senate Refers Bill

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to replace Nigeria’s existing drug-control laws with a consolidated framework, transmitting the proposed National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Bill, 2026, for consideration. The bill is a proposal and has not been enacted. The Senate referred it to its Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative consideration. In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on October 13, Tinubu proposed repealing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and the Indian Hemp Act, both included in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The proposed legislation would bring the laws together under one framework covering the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of illicit drugs. According to the letter, the bill would also empower the agency to investigate people suspected of involvement in drug-related activities. Tinubu asked lawmakers to consider the measure, which would need further legislative action before it could replace the existing laws. The Senate also considered a separate proposal concerning the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.