By Peace Erewunmi

The Federal Government is considering a major amendment to Nigeria’s anti-drug laws that would eliminate the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers and replace it with mandatory prison sentences. The proposed reform is being championed in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.

According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the proposed amendment is currently being processed through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and is expected to be forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative consideration.

Babafemi explained that under the current legal framework, some convicted drug traffickers are allowed to pay substantial fines instead of serving prison terms. The NDLEA has long argued that this provision weakens the deterrent effect of the law and allows offenders to return to the illicit drug trade after regaining their freedom.

Under the proposed amendment, convicted traffickers would face mandatory custodial sentences, with prison terms reportedly ranging from 15 to 25 years depending on the severity of the offence. The reform is intended to ensure that those found guilty of drug trafficking face significant consequences without the possibility of avoiding imprisonment through financial penalties.

Speaking on the rationale behind the proposal, Babafemi stated that the objective is to close loopholes that have historically benefited convicted traffickers. He stressed that individuals involved in the illegal drug business should understand that conviction would result in lengthy imprisonment and the forfeiture of assets connected to criminal activities.

The NDLEA maintains that stricter penalties are necessary because drug trafficking continues to fuel crime, insecurity, addiction, and social problems across the country. The agency believes tougher sentencing will discourage participation in the illicit drug trade and strengthen ongoing enforcement efforts.

Officials also pointed to recent successes recorded by the agency in disrupting drug networks, seizing large quantities of narcotics, freezing suspicious bank accounts, and securing convictions against traffickers. According to the NDLEA, the proposed legal changes would complement these operational achievements by ensuring that convicted offenders face more severe punishment.

If approved by the National Assembly and signed into law, the amendment would represent one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s anti-drug legislation in recent years and signal a tougher government stance against narcotics trafficking and related crimes.