- Life Imprisonment for Drug Offenders: The National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, prescribing life imprisonment for drug offenders and traffickers ¹.
- Stricter Penalties: The amendment aims to impose stricter penalties to deter illegal drug activities.
- RMAFC Reform Bill: The Senate also passed a bill to empower the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission.
- Updated Law: The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill, 2024, replaces the existing RMAFC Act of 2004.
The Nigerian National Assembly has taken significant steps to address drug-related issues and revenue management. The amended National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act now prescribes life imprisonment for drug offenders and traffickers who engage in illegal activities while armed or disguised ¹. This decision was made to impose stricter penalties and deter illegal drug activities.
In addition to the NDLEA amendment, the Senate passed the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill, 2024. This updated law revises the commission’s composition and operational framework to ensure federal, state, and local governments receive constitutionally mandated resources ¹. The bill’s proposer, Yahaya Abdullahi, emphasized the urgency of the commission’s reform due to Nigeria’s dwindling revenue and growing population.
RMAFC Reform Bill Highlights:
- Additional Funding: Proposes additional funding for the commission.
- Restructured Operational Framework: Aims to improve the commission’s efficiency.
- Addressing Governance Challenges: Ensures federal, state, and local governments receive resources to address governance and developmental challenges.
The Senate endorsed the bill following deliberations and a majority vote. It now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent to become law.
