President Bola Tinubu has declined to sign the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Bill, 2025 into law.
His decision was communicated in a letter read aloud during Thursday’s plenary session of the House of Representatives.
Citing Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), President Tinubu stated that the bill which had been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly proposes to allow the NDLEA to retain a portion of proceeds recovered from drug-related crimes.
He noted that this provision contradicts existing financial regulations.
“All proceeds of crime are currently paid into the government’s Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account,” Tinubu explained.
“Disbursements to any agency, including the NDLEA, require presidential approval and the consent of both the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.”
The President emphasized there is no pressing need to alter the existing structure, which was designed to promote transparency and accountability through executive and legislative checks.
Further details to follow.
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