Tinubu Sends NDLEA Reform Bill, Two Others to Senate, Targets Stronger Drug Enforcement

By Kparobo Ehvwubare

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted a series of legislative proposals to the Senate, including a bill seeking to reform the legal framework governing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), amend the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Act, and establish a National School of Government.

The proposed legislations were conveyed to the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

NDLEA Bill Seeks Stronger Enforcement Powers

One of the major proposals, the NDLEA Bill 2026, seeks to establish a consolidated legal framework for the agency’s operations and strengthen its capacity to combat illicit drug-related activities.

The proposed legislation is expected to enhance the agency’s powers, including its ability to investigate individuals suspected of involvement in drug-related offences.

The bill forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s institutional and legal frameworks for tackling drug trafficking and related criminal activities.

Tinubu Proposes Changes to Safety Investigation Bureau

The President also transmitted the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Amendment Bill 2026, which seeks to amend the existing Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Act 2022.

The proposed amendment is intended to reposition the bureau as an independent authority while expanding its mandate and restructuring its administrative framework.

It also seeks to transfer supervisory oversight of the bureau to the Presidency.

New National School of Government Proposed

Another proposal transmitted to the Senate is the National School of Government Bill 2026, which seeks to repeal the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria Act and establish a National School of Government.

The proposed institution is expected to serve as a national centre for governance training, public sector capacity development and institutional strengthening.

If enacted, the legislation could provide a new framework for developing leadership skills and improving the capacity of public officials to deliver effective governance.

Bill Seeks Domestic Implementation of Geneva Conventions, Rome Statute

In another major legislative move, President Tinubu transmitted a bill seeking to domesticate the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their two Additional Protocols of 1977.

The international instruments establish protections for victims of armed conflicts and set out important rules governing the conduct of parties during hostilities.

The proposal also addresses the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which provides the legal framework for prosecuting genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression, subject to the applicable jurisdictional requirements.

The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic legal framework for addressing serious international crimes and protecting victims of armed conflict.

The bills will now be subject to consideration by the National Assembly in accordance with the legislative process.