Tinubu Seeks Faster Prisoner Transfers With New Bill

President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to fast-track a invoice looking for to broaden Nigeria’s authorized framework for transferring convicted offenders between the nation and international governments, together with non-Commonwealth nations.

The President transmitted the Transfer of Convicted Offenders (Enactment and Enforcement) Amendment Bill, 2026, to the Senate on Tuesday for legislative consideration pursuant to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

In a letter to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the President urged lawmakers to expedite consideration of the proposed laws, expressing hope for a speedy legislative course of.

The invoice seeks to amend the Transfer of Convicted Offenders (Enactment and Enforcement) Act, Cap. T16, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to facilitate the implementation of prisoner-transfer agreements between Nigeria and different international locations.

Specifically, the proposed modification would empower the President to increase the appliance of the Act to international locations with which Nigeria has entered into related agreements by way of an order printed within the Federal Gazette.

It can be designed to supply the authorized framework for implementing such agreements with international locations outdoors the Commonwealth, broadening the scope of Nigeria’s present prisoner-transfer preparations.

The proposed laws is meant to provide impact to agreements or schemes reached between the Federal Government and international governments on the switch of convicted offenders.

Making a case for quick consideration, Tinubu wrote: “While it is my hope that the Senate will consider this submission expeditiously, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

The Senate invoice has been transmitted to its committee on Rules and Business for additional legislative motion.