By Samuel Adeola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rejected the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Amendment Bill, 2025, recently passed by the National Assembly.
The proposed amendment sought to empower the NDLEA to retain a portion of proceeds recovered from drug-related crimes.
However, President Tinubu raised constitutional concerns, stating that the bill conflicts with Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
In a letter read on the floor of the House of Representatives by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Thursday, the President explained that, under existing laws, all proceeds from crime must be remitted to the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.
He further emphasized that any disbursement of such funds to agencies must be authorized by the President and approved by both the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.
Tinubu’s decision has sparked discussions among lawmakers, with some calling for a review of the bill to address the constitutional issues raised.
