President Bola Tinubu has formally declined to sign the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Amendment Bill, 2025, into law, citing constitutional inconsistencies and concerns over transparency in the management of proceeds from drug-related crimes. The decision was communicated to the House of Representatives and read during plenary by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
The bill, which had been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, sought to empower the NDLEA to retain a portion of the proceeds derived from drug-related criminal activities to enhance its operational independence and funding capacity. However, President Tinubu argued that this provision contradicts the existing legal framework governing the handling of proceeds of crime in Nigeria.
In his letter, the President invoked Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants him the authority to withhold assent to bills passed by the National Assembly. He emphasized that under current laws, all proceeds from criminal activities must be paid into the government’s Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account. Disbursements to any agency involved in such recoveries, including the NDLEA, require presidential approval and the consent of both the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.
“There is no compelling reason to change the current process which promotes transparency as it involves both the executive and legislative arms of government,” Tinubu stated, underscoring the importance of maintaining accountability and oversight in the management of recovered assets.
This marks the second time within the week that President Tinubu has declined assent to a bill, having earlier rejected the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025, over concerns related to agency funding, taxation, and remuneration structures.
The President’s decision reflects his administration’s commitment to upholding constitutional protocols and ensuring that public and recovered funds are managed with utmost transparency and accountability. The NDLEA Amendment Bill will now return to the National Assembly for reconsideration in light of the President’s objections.
