By Nkechi Eze
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the National Assembly to expedite consideration and passage of the proposed National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Bill 2026, describing it as a critical step towards strengthening Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs and drug trafficking networks.
The rights group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transmitting the proposed legislation to the National Assembly, while also praising the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for advancing the legal reform process, and the Chairman of NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), for his leadership in the agency’s anti-drug campaign.
According to a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, the proposed bill presents an opportunity to strengthen the agency’s institutional capacity, expand its legal powers and improve its ability to tackle suspected drug traffickers and dismantle trafficking networks.
HURIWA said drug trafficking cartels posed serious threats to public safety, national security and the future of Nigerian youths, stressing the need for a stronger legal and institutional framework to confront the menace.
The association noted that the proposed review of the existing NDLEA Act and the Indian Hemp Act could address gaps in Nigeria’s drug-control laws and establish a more consolidated framework for enforcing drug-related offences.
It therefore called on the Senate and the House of Representatives to treat the bill as a matter of urgent national importance and ensure its speedy consideration and passage.
The organisation warned that unnecessary delays could undermine the momentum generated by the President’s legislative initiative, urging lawmakers across party lines to support the proposed reforms.
“HURIWA commends President Tinubu for taking this important legislative step, praises the Attorney-General of the Federation for supporting the legal reform process, and applauds Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa for his leadership in the fight against illicit drugs,” the statement said.
“We urge the National Assembly to act swiftly, pass the bill and enable the President to assent to it. Nigeria cannot afford to leave its anti-drug enforcement institutions without the strongest practical legal framework necessary to confront powerful drug barons and trafficking cartels,” the association added.
HURIWA, however, stressed that stronger legislation must be accompanied by adequate funding, modern investigative equipment, effective inter-agency cooperation and strict adherence to due process and fundamental human rights.
The group also urged the Federal Government to sustain public education and drug-prevention initiatives while expanding treatment and rehabilitation services to complement enforcement operations.
It maintained that the proposed reform should deliver measurable outcomes, including more effective action against trafficking networks, improved enforcement of drug laws and better protection of young Nigerians from the dangers of illicit substances.
The association reiterated its call on the National Assembly to prioritise the bill, stressing that its passage would strengthen the legal foundation for Nigeria’s campaign against drug trafficking and related offences.
