The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa has asked the National Assembly (NASS) for its continued support in order to improve its operations.
In a statement made available to Thelensng by Mr. Femi Babafemi, the Director, Media & Advocacy of NDLEA, Gen. Marwa made the appeal on Monday and Tuesday when he led his management team to defend the 2025 budget proposal of the Agency before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics respectively.
He pleaded for budgetary provision for the ongoing barracks accommodation for the personnel of the agency to enhance their security, dedication and performance.
Marwa expressed gratitude to NASS, especially the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA.
His words: “I wish to first appreciate the Honorable Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, and Distinguished Members of this Esteemed Committee for your invaluable and consistent support throughout the 2024 fiscal year. This committee, under its able and dynamic Chairman, has demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment towards the war against drug abuse. In particular, your effort towards the amendment of the NDLEA Act is also highly appreciated.
“And I respectfully ask your good offices to continue to assist in our area of critical needs during the appropriation process. Our commands across the federation are contending with significant challenges, particularly lack of accommodation.
“I cannot overstate this matter because it all comes to my desk when you get these reports of attacks on our officers and so on and so forth, killing personnel and their families. So, we know that we trust that this esteemed committee will do its best. And we know that there are compelling demands from other MDAs, but the barracks project is critical to the operational efficiency and success of NDLEA.
“I must not forget to seize this opportunity to also appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his continuing support and encouragement to the agency. I also wish to reaffirm the agency’s unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with the National Assembly, in particular this esteemed committee, to advance our shared vision of a drug-free Nigeria.
“With your support, we are confident in our ability to enhance our operations and fulfill our mandate of safeguarding the security of our nation.”
The NDLEA boss noted that in the budget proposal for 2025 fiscal year, the agency was allocated ₦67,512, 564,063.80, with recurrent personnel cost taking ₦47,159,240,496.80; recurrent overhead ₦3, 384,332,017.00 and capital expenditure ₦16,968,991,550.00.
He explained that the recurrent personnel cost reflects the nominal roll of the agency’s staff strength totalling over 14,038 officers, men and women, while the recurrent overhead cost covers the operational expenses of intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations and prosecutions.
He called for the enhancement of the ₦16 billion provided for capital expenditure, which has zero allocation for the ongoing barracks project component to enable the agency continue with the provision of secure accommodation for its workforce across the country.
“The agency faces growing challenges, including sophisticated drug cartels, drug abuse and inadequate critical infrastructure. To address these issues, NDLEA has embarked on reforms, including constructing barracks to accommodate its personnel, improve operational integrity and ensure security. Currently, many commands operate from rented facilities, which are inadequate for effective administration. Proper accommodation will enhance staff morale, ensure security, and strengthen the agency’s capacity to execute its mandate,” he further said while justifying his plea.
In his remarks, House Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun assured the agency of NASS’ commitment to adequate funding to enhance NDLEA’s operational successes.
“This committee recognizes the critical role the NDLEA plays in safeguarding our communities from the scourge of narcotics and illicit substances. As we engage in today’s deliberations, we remain committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently, with a focus on measurable outcomes, transparency, and accountability. I urge all participants to contribute thoughtfully as we work together to ensure the NDLEA is well-resourced to fulfill its vital mandate in the new year”, Mr. Adigun stated.
On his part, Senate Committee Chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo congratulated the agency for its outstanding performance in 2024.
“We’re all witnesses to the good work you are doing and we are proud of your performance”, Mr. Dankwambo remarked, assuring the agency of more support to enable it to function effectively in the new year.
