Tinubu Refuses to Sign NDLEA Bill 2025 Over Drug Crime Proceeds Clause

Nigeria president Bola Tinubu has declined to sign the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Amendment Bill, 2025, citing concerns over a controversial clause that allows the agency to retain a portion of funds recovered from drug-related crimes. The President communicated his decision to the House of Representatives in a formal letter, raising objections rooted in financial accountability and regulatory compliance.

The President’s decision was formally communicated to the House of Representatives in a letter read during plenary on Thursday, June 26, 2025. In the correspondence, Tinubu invoked Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to withhold assent to legislation passed by the National Assembly.

According to the President, the proposed bill seeks to grant the NDLEA authority to retain a portion of the proceeds recovered from drug-related crimes. However, he raised concerns that this provision directly conflicts with existing financial regulations and accountability frameworks.

Tinubu argued that allowing a law enforcement agency to independently manage funds derived from crime could undermine the principles of transparency and checks and balances. He emphasized that there is no justifiable reason to amend a system that currently ensures financial oversight by both the executive and legislative arms of government.