Nigeria: President Tinubu forwards NDLEA and safety reform bills to Senate

NDLEA drug enforcement reform Bola Tinubu Mohamed Buba Marwa legislative bills

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted several bills to the Nigerian Senate aimed at reforming drug enforcement and safety investigation frameworks. Key among these is the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Bill 2026, which seeks to repeal the existing NDLEA Act and the Indian Hemp Act to establish a consolidated legal framework for combating drug-related offenses. Additionally, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Amendment Bill 2026 proposes repositioning the bureau as an independent multimodal authority with expanded oversight from the Presidency.

In related developments, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) reported significant agency achievements at the 81st UN General Assembly. Between January 2025 and September 2026, the agency recorded 38,242 arrests, seized over 5.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs valued at more than ₦2.5 trillion, and secured 6,232 convictions. Marwa also emphasized the link between drug abuse and mental health, advocating for a holistic approach that addresses underlying trauma and poverty alongside law enforcement.

Entities

Bola Tinubu · Mohamed Buba Marwa · National Drug Law Enforcement Agency · Nigeria · Nigerian Senate · Ondo State · United Nations General Assembly

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The NDLEA has transitioned from an enforcement-focused organization to an integrated, intelligence-led, and people-centered body. bizwatchnigeria.ng · realnewsmagazine.net
[● 3 SOURCES] The NDLEA seized more than 5.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over ₦2.5 trillion between January 2025 and September 2026. bizwatchnigeria.ng · realnewsmagazine.net
[● 3 SOURCES] The NDLEA secured 6,232 convictions between January 2025 and September 2026. bizwatchnigeria.ng · realnewsmagazine.net
[● 3 SOURCES] More than 16,303 persons received counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation between January 2025 and September 2026. bizwatchnigeria.ng · realnewsmagazine.net
[● 3 SOURCES] The NDLEA recorded 38,242 arrests between January 2025 and September 2026. bizwatchnigeria.ng · realnewsmagazine.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] An Alternative Development pilot program is operating in three Ondo State communities to move residents from cannabis cultivation to legitimate farming. bizwatchnigeria.ng

Sources

Tinubu Writes Senate, Forwards 5 Bills On Drug Enforcement [theglittersonline.com.ng]

13 days ago

NDLEA arrests 38,242, seizes N2. 5trn drugs, secures 6,232 convictions in 21 months [realnewsmagazine.net]

14 days ago

NDLEA has transformed Nigeria's drug control — Marwa at UNGA [bizwatchnigeria.ng]

14 days ago

Centre Charges National Assembly on Speedy Passage of ACJA Amendment Bill [www.thisdaylive.com]

12 days ago

Tinubu transmits NDLEA, NSIB amendment bills to senate [nigerianobservernews.com]

13 days ago

Drug abuse, mental illness feed each other, NDLEA chairman Marwa warns [blueprint.ng]

13 days ago

Drug Abuse: Marwa Calls For Urgent Action On Mental Health Crisis [www.naijanews.com]

14 days ago

Tinubu seeks Senate nod to replace ASCON with National School of Government [punchng.com]

13 days ago