President Tinubu Withholds Assent to NDLEA Bill Over Concerns on Crime Proceeds Clause

 

Abuja, Nigeria- June 26 2025

The President’s decision, communicated in a letter to the National Assembly, highlighted concerns that certain provisions in the bill could create legal conflicts with existing anti-money laundering and asset forfeiture laws. Specifically, the clause in question deals with the management and disbursement of confiscated drug-related proceeds, which Tinubu argued may undermine broader efforts to combat organized crime and financial fraud.

The President, citing Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), explained that the proposed law seeks to empower the NDLEA to retain a portion of the proceeds from drug-related crimes, a move he said contradicts existing financial regulations.

He noted that under the current system, “All proceeds of crime are paid into the government’s Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account. Disbursements to any recovery agency, including the NDLEA, can only be made by presidential approval, subject to the consent of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.”

The President maintained there was no compelling reason to alter a process designed to uphold accountability through executive and legislative oversight.

Aaron Isaac, Hicia News