National Assembly approves life sentences for drug offenders

The National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, prescribing life imprisonment for drug offenders and traffickers. 

This comes following the adoption of the harmonised report by the Senate and House of Representatives on the NDLEA Act amendment. 

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, Senator Tahir Monguno, said the amendment is to deter illegal drug activities by imposing stricter penalties. 

The amendment specifically states, “Any person who unlawfully engages in the storage, custody, movement, carriage or concealment of dangerous drugs or controlled substances and, while doing so, is armed with an offensive weapon or disguised in any manner, commits an offence under this Act and is liable, upon conviction, to life imprisonment.”

The Senate approved the recommendation through a voice vote during plenary on Thursday, Nov. 21, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.