Tinubu Sends Bills to Overhaul NDLEA, Expand NSIB Mandate, Replace ASCON
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted three executive bills to the House of Representatives, seeking to reform the legal framework governing drug law enforcement, expand transport safety investigations and establish a National School of Government to replace the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON).
The bills, dated October 12, 2026, were conveyed in three separate letters read by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Thursday.
The letters, marked “Restricted”, were received by the Office of the Speaker on October 13.
Tinubu said the bills were transmitted pursuant to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and urged lawmakers to give them expeditious consideration.
The proposed legislations cover the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the establishment of the National School of Government.
NDLEA Bill Seeks Consolidated Drug Law Enforcement Framework
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Bill, 2026, seeks to repeal the existing NDLEA Act, Cap N30, and the Indian Hemp Act, Cap 16, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and replace them with a consolidated legal framework for drug law enforcement.
According to Tinubu, the proposed legislation would establish a unified framework for enforcing laws against the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of hard drugs.
The bill also seeks to empower the agency to investigate individuals suspected of involvement in drug-related activities.
If enacted, the legislation would bring provisions currently contained in separate laws under a single statutory framework, potentially streamlining the agency’s operations.
The NDLEA is responsible for combating illicit drug production and trafficking, investigating drug-related offences and enforcing relevant laws aimed at curbing the distribution of controlled substances.
The proposed changes will, however, require legislative consideration and approval before they can take effect.
NSIB to Expand Beyond Aviation Safety Investigations
The second proposal, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the NSIB (Establishment) Act, No. 35 of 2022, to expand the bureau’s responsibilities beyond aviation accidents and incidents.
Under the proposed amendment, the NSIB would become an independent, multimodal safety investigation authority with responsibility for investigating occurrences involving rail, maritime and other modes of transportation.
Tinubu said the amendment was intended to reposition the bureau, expand its investigative mandate and strengthen its institutional, operational and administrative capacities.
The proposal also seeks to transfer supervisory oversight of the bureau to the Presidency.
Established under the 2022 Act, the NSIB investigates accidents and incidents, determines their causes and makes safety recommendations to prevent similar occurrences.
Expanding its mandate to cover rail and maritime transportation would bring investigations in those sectors within its statutory responsibilities, subject to the provisions of the amended law.
The proposed changes are also expected to redefine the bureau’s institutional oversight and operational arrangements.
Tinubu Proposes National School of Government
The third bill, the National School of Government Bill, 2026, seeks to repeal the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria Act, Cap A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and establish the National School of Government, Nigeria.
According to the President, the proposed institution would serve as a national centre for leadership development, policy delivery and executive capacity building.
The school is expected to focus on strengthening leadership skills, improving the capacity of public officials and enhancing policy implementation across government institutions.
ASCON has traditionally provided management training, research and consultancy services to public- and private-sector organisations, contributing to the development of administrative and managerial capacity.
The proposed replacement signals a move towards a broader institutional framework for leadership development and executive training within the public service.
If passed into law, the National School of Government Act would establish the institution’s statutory foundation, functions and administrative arrangements.
Bills Await Legislative Consideration
The three bills will now undergo the legislative process in the House of Representatives, including consideration by relevant committees.
Their transmission to the National Assembly marks the beginning of the process towards possible enactment.
The proposed reforms will require legislative approval and the completion of the constitutional requirements for passing the bills before they can become law.
