President Bola Tinubu has declined assent to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Bill, 2025, citing concerns over financial regulations. The proposed legislation sought to allow the NDLEA retain a portion of proceeds recovered from drug-related crimes. However, Tinubu stated that the provision conflicts with existing rules governing the management of confiscated assets.
In a letter read by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Thursday’s plenary, the President explained that, under current law, all proceeds of crime are required to be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account of the federal government. Disbursements from this account can only be made through presidential approval, with the consent of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.
He emphasised that the current structure promotes accountability and oversight and, therefore, does not require modification.This marks the second time in the week that Tinubu has withheld assent to a bill. On Tuesday, he rejected the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025, citing inconsistencies with federal funding, taxation, and remuneration frameworks.
Despite these rejections, Tinubu is expected to sign into law four major tax reform bills aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s fiscal system. These include: The Nigeria Tax Bill, The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, The bills were passed by the National Assembly following broad consultations with stakeholders and are projected to strengthen revenue generation and streamline tax administration nationwide.
Source : https://www.channelstv.com/
