Nigerian Senate okays death penalty for drug traffickers

The Senate approved the death penalty for those dealing, importing, manufacturing, trafficking, or delivering hard drugs like cocaine and heroin in Nigeria. This decision, part of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, upgrades the current maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

During deliberations, Senate Whip Ali Ndume proposed the death penalty to address the drug problem affecting Nigerian youth. However, some senators, including Adams Oshiomhole, expressed reservations. Oshiomhole insisted on a formal division for voting, but the Deputy Senate President overruled him, and the bill passed.

Mohammed Monguno, Chairman of the Joint Committee, confirmed the Senate's approval of the death penalty despite dissenting voices. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi refrained from commenting due to the ongoing legislative process.

Senior anti-narcotics officers noted discrepancies between the Senate and the House of Representatives regarding penalties for drug offenders, emphasizing the need for harmonization. Despite not yet being law, if enacted, these amendments could significantly impact drug trafficking and use.