Marwa Seeks Improved Budget From National Assembly To Fight Drug Crimes
Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has appealed for support from the National Assembly in the ongoing war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
Marwa appealed when the management team of the anti-narcotics agency to defend the 2025 budget proposal of NDLEA before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, respectively.
Marwa, at the defence sitting, which was held on Monday and Tuesday, expressed appreciation to the National Assembly, especially the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs, for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking but appealed for their continued support to enhance the agency’s capacity and capability to deliver on its mandate.
The drug czar, who equally thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA, said: “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. Under its able and dynamic chairman, this committee has demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment to the war against drug abuse. In particular, your effort towards amending the NDLEA Act is highly appreciated.
“And I respectfully ask your good offices to continue assisting in our critical needs area during the appropriation process. Our commands across the federation contend with significant challenges, particularly a 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, killing personnel and their families. So, we trust that this esteemed committee will do its best. 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 also to 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, particularly 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.”
He pleaded for budgetary provision for the ongoing barracks accommodation for the personnel of the agency to enhance their security, dedication, and performance, noting that: “In the budget proposal for 2025 fiscal year, the agency was allocated Sixty-Seven Billion Five Hundred and Twelve Million Five Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand Sixty-Three Naira Eighty Kobo (N67,512,564,063.80), with recurrent personnel cost taking N47,159,240,496.80; recurrent overhead N3,384,332,017.00 and capital expenditure N16,968,991,550.00.”
He explained that the recurrent personnel cost reflects the nominal roll of the agency’s staff strength, totaling over 14,038 officers, men and women. In contrast, the recurrent overhead cost covers the operational expenses of intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations, and prosecutions.
The NDLEA boss called for the enhancement of the N16 billion provided for capital expenditure, which has zero allocation for the ongoing barracks project component, to enable the agency to continue providing secure accommodation for its workforce nationwide.
Justifying his plea, Marwa said, “The agency faces growing challenges, including sophisticated drug cartels, drug abuse, and inadequate critical infrastructure. NDLEA has embarked on reforms to address these issues, 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.”
In his remarks, House Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon Abass Adigun, assured of their commitment to adequate funding to enhance NDLEA’s operational successes. He said: “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 allocating public funds efficiently, focusing 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.”
On Tuesday, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, the Senate Committee chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, congratulated the agency for its outstanding performance in 2024.
He said, “We’re all witnesses to the good work you are doing, and we are proud of your performance.” He assured of more support to enable the agency to function effectively in the new year.
