Felix Temitope, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has emphasized the urgent need for secure barracks accommodation for NDLEA operatives across the country. This appeal came during his defense of the Agency’s N67.5 billion 2025 budget proposal before the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs on January 13 and 14, 2025.
A statement today by the agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi disclosed that Marwa, addressing the committees underscored the critical importance of the barracks project to enhance the operational integrity and welfare of NDLEA personnel. According to him, the absence of adequate housing for officers has exposed them and their families to security risks, hampering their dedication and performance.
“Reports of attacks on our officers and their families come to my desk frequently. These challenges highlight the urgent need for secure accommodation to ensure the safety and morale of our personnel,” Marwa stated. He appealed for increased capital expenditure allocation to advance the barracks project, which currently has no budgetary provision for 2025.
Marwa highlighted that many NDLEA commands operate from rented facilities that are inadequate for effective administration. He stressed that proper housing for operatives would significantly improve their morale, operational efficiency, and ability to counter increasingly sophisticated drug cartels.
“The barracks project is critical to the operational efficiency and success of NDLEA. It will enhance staff security, improve their welfare, and ensure their dedication to safeguarding the nation from the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.
The proposed budget for 2025 stands at N67.5 billion, with allocations as follows: Recurrent personnel cost (N47.1 billion), covering the salaries of over 14,038 staff members. Recurrent overhead (N3.38 billion), earmarked for operational expenses like intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations, and prosecutions.
The capital expenditure is N16.97 billion, which Marwa urged to be increased to accommodate the barracks project.
The House Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable performance in combating drug abuse and trafficking. He pledged the committee’s commitment to ensuring adequate funding for the Agency to enhance its operational successes.
“This committee recognizes the critical role the NDLEA plays in safeguarding our communities. We remain committed to ensuring the Agency is well-resourced to fulfill its vital mandate,” Adigun said.
Similarly, Senate Committee Chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, lauded the NDLEA’s achievements in 2024, describing its performance as exemplary. “We are proud of your good work and assure you of continued support to enable the Agency to function effectively,” Dankwambo stated.
Marwa also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for the NDLEA, noting that the president’s encouragement has been instrumental in the Agency’s successes.
As Nigeria continues to battle the twin challenges of drug abuse and trafficking, the NDLEA’s barracks project is seen as a critical step toward addressing the operational and security challenges faced by its personnel. With lawmakers promising robust support, the project’s implementation could significantly enhance the Agency’s capacity to deliver on its mandate of a drug-free Nigeria.
.jpeg)
