Marwa Urges More Support from National Assembly, Defends N67.5 Billion NDLEA 2025 Budget
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has appealed to the National Assembly for sustained support to bolster the agency’s fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Marwa made the call on Monday, 13th January, and Tuesday, 14th January 2025, while defending the NDLEA’s N67.5 billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, respectively.
During his presentation, Marwa expressed profound gratitude to the National Assembly committees for their unwavering commitment and support in the fight against drug-related crimes.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast encouragement of the agency’s mission.
“I wish to first appreciate the honourable chairman, the deputy chairman, and distinguished members of this esteemed committee for your invaluable and consistent support throughout the 2024 fiscal year. Your efforts towards the amendment of the NDLEA Act are particularly noteworthy,” Marwa stated.
He urged the committees to prioritise the agency’s critical needs, particularly the ongoing barracks accommodation project, to enhance the safety and efficiency of NDLEA personnel.
He highlighted the dire need for secure housing to address challenges faced by officers and their families, including attacks that threaten their safety and morale.
“Our commands across the federation are contending with significant challenges, particularly a lack of accommodation. Proper barracks will not only enhance staff morale but also ensure their security and strengthen the agency’s capacity to execute its mandate,” Marwa emphasised.
The NDLEA’s 2025 budget proposal totals N67,512,564,063.80, with recurrent personnel costs accounting for N47.1 billion, recurrent overheads at N3.38 billion, and capital expenditure at N16.97 billion.
Marwa called for an increase in the capital allocation, stressing that the current provision excludes funding for the critical barracks project.
He further outlined the agency’s operational challenges, including the rising sophistication of drug cartels, inadequate infrastructure, and the growing prevalence of drug abuse.
He explained that the NDLEA has embarked on reforms, such as constructing barracks and upgrading facilities, to address these issues effectively.
Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun, pledged the committee’s commitment to ensuring adequate funding for the agency.
“This committee recognises the critical role the NDLEA plays in safeguarding our communities from the scourge of narcotics and illicit substances. We remain committed to ensuring public funds are allocated efficiently, with a focus on measurable outcomes, transparency, and accountability,” Adigun said.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, lauded the NDLEA’s achievements in 2024 and assured the agency of greater support in 2025.
“We are all witnesses to the good work you are doing, and we are proud of your performance,” he stated.
The NDLEA said it remains steadfast in its commitment to a drug-free Nigeria, with Marwa reiterating the agency’s readiness to collaborate with the National Assembly to achieve this shared vision.
