Proposed Law in Nigeria: Death Penalty for Drug Trafficking

Nigeria’s Senate is proposing a law amendment to change the maximum penalty for drug trafficking to the death penalty. The amendment would replace life imprisonment, which was previously the harshest punishment in the country.

Nigeria has emerged as a significant producer, consumer, and distributor of illegal drugs, especially opioids. The proposed legislation, informed by a report from Senate committees on judiciary, human rights, legal matters, and drugs and narcotics, seeks to discourage drug traffickers by making the threat of execution a more potent deterrent compared to life imprisonment.

Critics argue that the death penalty is final and could result in wrongful convictions. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives without including a death penalty provision.