Odita Sunday 
HURIWA Hails Tinubu, Marwa on NDLEA Bill, Urges NASS to Expedite Passage
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transmitting the proposed National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Bill 2026 to the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to expedite its consideration and passage.
The association described the proposed legislation as an important step towards strengthening Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework for combating illicit drugs, drug trafficking and organised criminal networks.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA also commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for advancing the proposed reforms.
The group equally praised the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), for his leadership in the agency’s campaign against drug traffickers and trafficking networks.
HURIWA said the proposed bill presented an opportunity to strengthen the NDLEA’s institutional capacity, review its legal powers and improve its ability to investigate suspected drug-related offences and dismantle trafficking networks.
The association warned that drug trafficking cartels posed serious threats to public safety, national security and the future of Nigerian youths, stressing the need for a stronger legal framework to confront the menace.
It noted that the proposed review of the existing NDLEA Act and the Indian Hemp Act could address gaps in Nigeria’s drug-control legislation and provide a more consolidated framework for enforcing drug-related offences.
The rights group called on the Senate and the House of Representatives to treat the bill as a matter of urgent national importance and ensure its timely consideration.
It cautioned that unnecessary delays in the legislative process could undermine the momentum generated by the President’s initiative.
HURIWA also urged lawmakers across political party lines to support the proposed reforms and establish a stronger legal foundation for the NDLEA to investigate suspected drug crimes, disrupt trafficking networks and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.
“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.
The association added: “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.”
However, HURIWA stressed that stronger legislation must be complemented by adequate funding, modern investigative equipment, effective inter-agency cooperation and strict adherence to due process and fundamental human rights.
It further called on the Federal Government to sustain public education campaigns, drug-prevention initiatives, treatment and rehabilitation services alongside enforcement measures.
According to the association, the proposed reforms should translate into measurable improvements in the fight against drug trafficking, including more effective action against criminal networks, stronger enforcement and better protection for young Nigerians from the dangers of illicit substances.
HURIWA urged the National Assembly to prioritise the bill and demonstrate the political will required to strengthen Nigeria’s campaign against drug trafficking and related offences.
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