There is no compelling reason to change the current process which promotes transparency as it involves both the executive and legislative arms of government
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined assent to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Amendment Bill, 2025, warning that it conflicts with legal and constitutional standards. The legislation, recently passed by the National Assembly, would have empowered the NDLEA to retain a portion of proceeds seized from drug‑related crimes.
In a letter to the Senate, read during plenary, Tinubu stated: “Currently, all proceeds of crime must be paid into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.” He emphasised that any disbursement from the fund “must receive presidential approval, and must be cleared by both the Federal Executive Council and the relevant national coordinating body.”
He added: “There is no compelling reason to change the current process which promotes transparency as it involves both the executive and legislative arms of government.”
The president relied on Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution to exercise his veto power. The bill will now return to the National Assembly for revision or possible override by a two‑thirds majority.