Tinubu Seeks Repeal of Indian Hemp Act

Tinubu Seeks Repeal of Indian Hemp Act

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to repeal Nigeria’s Indian Hemp Act and the existing NDLEA Act as part of a proposed overhaul of the country’s drug control laws, while lawmakers consider a separate bill to strengthen NAFDAC’s regulatory powers.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Senate to repeal the Indian Hemp Act and the existing National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act as part of efforts to consolidate Nigeria’s legal framework for combating illicit drugs.

The President’s proposal, contained in the NDLEA Bill, 2026, was transmitted to the Senate in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.

In the correspondence, Tinubu sought the repeal of the NDLEA Act, Cap. N30, and the Indian Hemp Act, Cap. I6, both contained in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a consolidated legal framework for combating the cultivation, processing, trafficking and use of illicit drugs. It also seeks to empower the agency to investigate persons suspected of involvement in drug-related activities.

Transmitted pursuant to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative action.

The proposal remains subject to consideration and approval by the National Assembly. Seeking repeal of the Indian Hemp Act does not, by itself, amount to the legalisation of cannabis in Nigeria.

Senate Considers Separate Bill to Overhaul NAFDAC Law

In a separate legislative development, the Senate is considering a bill sponsored by Senator Suleiman Sadiq to repeal and re-enact the law establishing the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Sadiq argued that the existing law had become inadequate to address emerging public health challenges and rapid developments in science, technology and international trade.

He acknowledged NAFDAC’s contributions to regulating food, medicines, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and packaged water, as well as efforts to combat counterfeit medicines and strengthen consumer protection.

However, he warned that increasingly sophisticated cross-border trade in counterfeit products and the emergence of new technologies had exposed gaps in the existing legislation.

“The global regulatory environment has changed brilliantly. Scientific innovations have introduced new categories of regulated products. Cross-border movement of counterfeit products has become increasingly sophisticated,” he said.

The senator identified biotechnology, artificial intelligence, advanced medical devices, diagnostics, biological products and active pharmaceutical ingredients as areas requiring stronger regulatory provisions.

According to him, a comprehensive review would enable the agency to respond more effectively to emerging products and changing international standards.

Proposed Law Seeks Stronger Enforcement Powers

The proposed NAFDAC legislation would strengthen the agency’s investigative and enforcement powers, including authorising designated officers to inspect premises and vehicles, seize and detain illegal products, seal offending facilities and obtain relevant orders from competent courts.

It also proposes changes to the agency’s governing council, accountability mechanisms, funding arrangements and financial management structure.

Sadiq said the reforms would improve regulatory efficiency while ensuring that enforcement activities comply with due process and constitutional safeguards.

He added that a comprehensive re-enactment would eliminate inconsistencies and provide a clearer regulatory framework for manufacturers, healthcare professionals, investors and the courts.

“Ultimately, this bill is about protecting the lives and health of Nigerians, strengthening confidence in our healthcare system, promoting local manufacturing, facilitating legitimate commerce, improving regulatory efficiency and ensuring that Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory framework remains responsive to evolving global realities and challenges,” he said.

Senate Also Moves on Transport Safety

The Senate also received the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to expand the bureau’s mandate beyond aviation to cover maritime and other transport-related occurrences.

The bill also proposes transferring oversight of the bureau to the Presidency and strengthening its institutional, operational and administrative framework.

It was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for further legislative action.

What Happens Next?

Tinubu’s proposed repeal of the Indian Hemp Act forms part of a broader legislative effort to review Nigeria’s drug control framework, while the separate NAFDAC proposal seeks to strengthen public health regulation.

Both initiatives remain subject to the legislative process, and their eventual impact will depend on the provisions approved by the National Assembly and how the resulting laws are implemented.

For now, the key development is Tinubu’s request for the repeal of the Indian Hemp Act, alongside the proposed restructuring of Nigeria’s legal framework for controlling illicit drugs.

Source - TheSun