NDLEA Chairman Marwa Seeks Ongoing National Assembly Support for Agency’s 2025 Budget

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called for sustained support from the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs, as the agency continues its critical fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Speaking during a series of budget defense meetings held on January 13th and 14th, 2025, Marwa expressed gratitude for the unwavering commitment shown by the committees and emphasized the need for additional funding to support the agency’s expanding responsibilities.

Marwa acknowledged the significant role the National Assembly plays in the agency’s successes, particularly commending their efforts in amending the NDLEA Act. He called for continued assistance during the appropriation process to address the agency’s critical needs, including improved accommodation for its personnel. He highlighted the dangerous conditions officers face, including attacks on personnel and their families, stressing that securing adequate housing would boost both morale and security for NDLEA staff across the country.

NDLEA’s 2025 Budget Proposal: Key Figures and Focus Areas

The 2025 budget proposal for the NDLEA allocates a total of N67.5 billion, broken down into recurrent personnel costs of N47.16 billion, recurrent overhead of N3.38 billion, and capital expenditure of N16.97 billion. Marwa explained that the substantial portion of the budget directed toward personnel costs reflects the agency’s staff strength, which includes over 14,000 officers dedicated to combating drug trafficking and substance abuse across Nigeria. The recurrent overhead covers vital operational activities such as intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations, and prosecutions.

However, Marwa emphasized the need for increased capital expenditure, particularly in securing funding for the ongoing construction of barracks to accommodate NDLEA personnel. Currently, many of the agency’s commands are forced to operate from rented facilities, which are inadequate for efficient operations. Proper accommodation is not only crucial for improving staff morale but also for enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the security of officers on duty.

The Urgency of Improving Infrastructure and Operational Integrity

Marwa outlined the growing challenges facing the NDLEA, including the rise of sophisticated drug cartels, the increasing rates of drug abuse, and the need for better infrastructure. He stressed that while the agency has made significant strides in its operations, the lack of secure housing for its personnel remains a pressing issue. The construction of barracks would enable the agency to better house its officers, improve their security, and provide a stable environment that fosters optimal performance. With more robust accommodation, the NDLEA would be able to enhance its operations and maintain a stronger presence across the nation.

Furthermore, Marwa noted that the barracks project is an essential element for the agency’s long-term success. He underscored that secure accommodations would not only improve the safety of personnel but also contribute to the overall operational integrity of the NDLEA, allowing it to continue addressing the rising threats posed by drug trafficking and abuse across Nigeria.

Commitment from National Assembly Leadership for Continued Support

Both the House and Senate Committees on Narcotic Drugs expressed their commitment to ensuring that the NDLEA receives the necessary resources to fulfill its mission. Hon. Abass Adigun, Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to allocating funds efficiently, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes, transparency, and accountability. He acknowledged the importance of the NDLEA’s work in protecting Nigerian communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs and assured that the committee would continue to support the agency’s budgetary needs.

In a similar vein, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, congratulated the NDLEA on its successful performance in 2024 and expressed his pride in the agency’s accomplishments. He assured the agency of the committee’s continued support to ensure the NDLEA operates effectively in the coming year, further strengthening Nigeria’s fight against drug-related crimes and substance abuse.