The Nigerian Senate has given approval for the imposition of the death penalty on individuals involved in the manufacturing and processing of dangerous drugs, as well as traffickers of hard drugs across the country. Additionally, those found guilty of consuming hard drugs will face 15 years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
This decision was reached following the consideration of the report of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Drugs and Narcotics on the amendment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB. 472), presented by Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North).
The Senate deemed the amendment necessary due to the widespread prevalence of substance abuse, particularly among the youth, influenced in many cases by peer pressure.
During the clause-by-clause consideration of the report, a proposal to amend the penalty provisions was raised by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), and Senator Peter Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) under clause 11. Despite initial objections, the ruling in favor of the amendment, including the death penalty for drug traffickers, was upheld by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North).
The passage of the bill, which originated from the House of Representatives, awaits the assent of President Bola Tinubu. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Mohammed Monguno, emphasized that the amendment aims to address the grave consequences of drug abuse, especially among the youth, by imposing severe penalties on offenders.
