HURIWA lauds NDLEA Act amendment, advocates financial autonomy for agency

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the recent amendment to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, describing it as a pivotal move to bolster the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The amendment, adopted during a Senate plenary presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, prescribes life imprisonment for individuals involved in storing, transporting, or concealing hard drugs and illicit substances.

The revised law eliminates the previous option of a fine, a change HURIWA described as a significant enhancement to Nigeria’s legal framework against drug-related offences.

HURIWA noted that the amendment replaces an earlier proposal for the death penalty, which had faced widespread opposition from human rights organisations, including the group itself, and other stakeholders.

“This amendment aligns with global human rights standards while addressing concerns raised by stakeholders,” the association remarked.

The association praised lawmakers for the life imprisonment provision, emphasising its potential to deter drug trafficking while upholding human rights.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, Tahir Monguno, had earlier cautioned against the death penalty, citing the risk of executing over 900 individuals currently incarcerated for drug-related offences.

In addition to the strengthened penalties, the revised NDLEA Act allows the agency to retain a portion of the proceeds from forfeited assets linked to drug offences. HURIWA applauded this provision as a step toward sustainable funding for the NDLEA but argued that partial financial autonomy is insufficient for the agency to achieve its mandate effectively.

“We urge the government to grant the NDLEA full financial autonomy akin to the National Human Rights Commission,” HURIWA said. “This will ensure the agency has the resources required to combat drug trafficking and abuse without financial constraints.”

The association also praised NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) for his strategic leadership in advancing Nigeria’s counter-narcotics campaign through enforcement and public awareness.