The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step by passing the NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 for its third reading, effectively approving death sentences as the maximum penalty for drug traffickers in the country.
The Bill was officially enacted into law on Thursday following a thorough review process.
During the session, the Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to meticulously consider the clauses of the Bill, as outlined in the report presented by Senator Tahir Munguno, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters.
One of the key amendments proposed during the review was to elevate the penalty for drug trafficking from a life sentence to a death sentence.
This proposal, initially put forward by the Senate Chief Whip, was eventually adopted.
However, this decision was not without contention, as some lawmakers expressed their displeasure with the new provision. Senator Adams Oshiomhole, in particular, voiced his concerns over what he perceived as a rushed consideration and passage of the amended clause.
Despite his objections, the Deputy Senate President, who presided over the session, declined Senator Oshiomhole’s request to reverse the ruling, citing its lateness in the process.
