Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, is set to receive increased legislative support in its ongoing fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in Nigeria.
This follows a visit by the newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, Senator Ikpea assured the Agency of the Senate Committee’s commitment to providing the necessary legislative backing, policies and support required to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the growing drug challenge.
The Senator, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District, said he was at the NDLEA headquarters to build a working relationship with the Agency and learn from its ongoing efforts in tackling drug abuse and trafficking.
He commended General Marwa’s track record in public service, describing his leadership roles as Military Governor of the old Borno State, Military Administrator of Lagos State and now Chairman of the NDLEA as evidence of his dedication and commitment to national development.
Senator Ikpea stressed that the fight against drugs goes beyond enforcement, noting that prevention, public education and rehabilitation are critical to protecting young Nigerians from the dangers of substance abuse.
He said the Senate Committee would work closely with the NDLEA to support initiatives aimed at rescuing those already affected by drug abuse while preventing more Nigerians from falling into the drug trap.
Responding, NDLEA Chairman/ CEO Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), thanked the Senator for the visit and expressed the Agency’s readiness to collaborate with the Senate Committee.
Marwa described the drug problem as one of the major challenges facing societies globally, adding that it is linked to several social and security concerns.
He noted that the NDLEA has recorded significant progress through the disruption of major drug networks, arrest of high-profile traffickers, and the seizure and forfeiture of assets connected to criminal activities.
The NDLEA boss attributed these achievements to the support of the Federal Government, the National Assembly, the Judiciary and other stakeholders.
He assured Nigerians that the Agency will continue to intensify both its drug supply reduction efforts by targeting traffickers and drug demand reduction programmes through awareness campaigns, counselling and rehabilitation.
The collaboration between the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics and the NDLEA is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s fight against substance abuse, improve public safety and safeguard the future of young Nigerians.