Tinubu Declines Assent To NDLEA Amendment Bill Over Move To Retain Proceeds Of Crime

President Bola Tinubu has declined his assent to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Amendment Bill, 2025.

The proposed legislation seeks to empower the NDLEA to directly retain part of the funds and assets seized during anti-narcotics operations.

But, in a communication read at the plenary of the House of Representatives by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on Thursday, Tinubu said the proposal contradicted existing financial regulations.

The president said under present arrangement, “all proceeds of crime” are paid into the government’s Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.

“Disbursements to any recovery agency, including the NDLEA, can only be made by presidential approval, subject to the consent of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.”

Tinubu said the bill lacked a compelling justification to amend the existing law, which was designed to enhance transparency by involving both the executive and legislative arms of government.

“There is no compelling reason to change the current process which promotes transparency as it involves both the executive and legislative arms of government,” he stated.