Tinubu rejects NDLEA amendment bill, cites conflict with financial regulations

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has formally declined assent to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Amendment Bill, 2025, citing concerns over its conflict with existing financial regulations.

The President’s decision was conveyed in a letter read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Thursday.

In the letter, Tinubu explained that the proposed amendment, which seeks to allow the NDLEA to retain a portion of proceeds from drug-related crimes, contradicts current financial protocols. He noted that, under existing laws, all proceeds from criminal activities must be paid into the government’s confiscated and forfeited properties account.

“There is no compelling reason to change the current process, which promotes transparency, as it involves executive and legislative oversight,” the President stated.

He further explained that disbursements to any agency involved in asset recovery can only be authorized by the President, with approvals from both the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Assembly.

Quoting Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Tinubu wrote: “I hereby convey to the House of Representatives my decision to decline assent to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Amendment Bill, 2025.”