Tinubu seeks major reforms to NDLEA, NSIB, proposes new government training schools

President Bola Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to consider three executive bills proposing changes to Nigeria’s drug enforcement laws, expansion of the transport safety investigation system and the creation of a National School of Governance.

The proposal was submitted to the DPR in three separate letters dated October 12, 2026 and read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at Thursday’s plenary session. The letters marked “Restricted” were received in the Chair’s office on October 13.

Tinubu invoked Article 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, in forwarding the bill and asked for “expeditious consideration.”

The proposed law relates to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigerian Security Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the establishment of the National School of Government to replace the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON).

The first proposal, the NDLEA Bill, 2026, seeks to repeal the laws governing the agency and replace them with a consolidated legal framework to combat illegal drugs.

In his letter to lawmakers, Tinubu said the bill “seeks to repeal the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30 and the Indian Hemp Act, Cap 16” and “establishes a consolidated framework to enforce laws against the cultivation, processing, sale, trade and use of hard drugs.”

He added that the proposed law would “authorize the Agency to investigate individuals suspected of drug transactions.”

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This bill will bring provisions currently scattered across different laws into one statutory framework for narcotics law enforcement. The NDLEA is responsible for investigating drug-related offenses, combating the production and trafficking of illegal drugs, and disrupting networks involved in the distribution of controlled substances.

However, any changes to the agency’s legal authority will depend on the outcome of the legislative process and the bill’s passage.

The second proposal seeks to amend the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Establishment) Act, No. 35 of 2022, expands the bureau’s responsibilities beyond aviation accidents and incidents.

Under the proposed NSIB Bill of 2026, the agency would be an independent, multimodal safety investigation authority with responsibilities covering rail, maritime and other transportation-related incidents.

Explaining the purpose of the amendment, Tinubu said it aims “to reposition the Bureau as an independent multimodal safety investigative authority, expand its mandate beyond aviation to cover rail, maritime and other transport incidents, transfer supervisory oversight to the Presidency, and strengthen its institutional, operational and administrative mandate.”

The proposed changes would expand the bureau’s authority to include investigations of accidents and incidents across various transportation systems, with the goal of identifying the causes of accidents and making recommendations to improve safety.

The NSIB was established under the 2022 Act as an independent body responsible for investigating accidents and incidents and recommending actions to prevent similar occurrences. The proposed transfer of oversight to the Presidency would also change the bureau’s institutional setup.

The third bill seeks to establish the National School of Government, Nigeria, as a successor to the Nigerian Administrative Staff College.

The National School of Government Bill, 2026, proposes the repeal of the Nigerian Administrative Staff College Act, Cap A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and the creation of a new institution focused on leadership development, policy delivery and executive capacity building.

According to Tinubu, the bill will “enact the National School of Government Act to establish the National School of Government, Nigeria, as a national institution for leadership, development, policy delivery and executive capacity building.”

The proposed institution is expected to focus on strengthening the leadership and administrative capabilities of public officials and improving the implementation of government policies.

ASCON traditionally provides management training, research and consultancy services to public and private sector organizations, contributing to the development of administrative and managerial skills.

Replacing it with the proposed National School of Government would introduce a broader institutional framework for leadership training and executive capacity development in the public service. The proposed legislation would establish the agency’s legal basis and explain its functions and operational structure.

The three bills will now be processed through the legislative process in the DPR, including examination by the relevant committees and consideration of their provisions by DPR members.

Transmission of changes by the President does not mean the proposed changes have taken effect. Every bill must go through required legislative and constitutional procedures before it can become law.