Marwa seeks more NASS support, defends N67.5B 2025 NDLEA budget

The Chairman National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa has appealed for the continued support of the National Assembly (NASS) to enhance the capacity and capability of the agency to deliver on its mandate.

Marwa made the appeal in Abuja when he led the management team to defend the 2025 budget proposal of the agency before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics respectively.

A statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi on Tuesday in Abuja stated that Marwa expressed appreciation to the NASS members for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The NDLEA boss equally thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA.

Marwa emphasised that the NDLEA commands across the federation were contending with significant challenges, particularly lack of accommodation.

He pleaded for budgetary provision for the ongoing barracks accommodation for the personnel to enhance their security, dedication and performance.

“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 and so forth, killing personnel and their families.

“So, we know that we trust that this esteemed committee will do its best. And 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 to also 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, in particular 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.

“In the budget proposal for 2025 fiscal year, the agency was allocated N67, 512, 564, 063 with recurrent personnel cost taking N47, 159,240, 496; recurrent overhead N3, 384,332, 017 and capital expenditure N16, 968, 991, 550,” he said

Marwa explained that the recurrent personnel cost reflected the nominal roll of the agency’s staff strength totaling over 14,038 officers, men and women.

He added the recurrent overhead cost covered the operational expenses of intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations and prosecutions.

The NDLEA boss called for the enhancement of the N16b provided for capital expenditure, which had zero allocation for the ongoing barracks project component.

This, he said, was to enable the agency to continue with the provision of secure accommodation for its workforce across the country.

Justifying his plea, Marwa said that the agency faces growing challenges, including sophisticated drug cartels, drug abuse and inadequate critical infrastructure.

“To address these issues, NDLEA has embarked on reforms, 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, Rep. Abass Adigun assured of their commitment to adequate funding to enhance NDLEA’s operational successes.

“This committee recognises 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 ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently, with a focus 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,” the lawmaker stated.

Speaking in the same vein, the Senate Committee Chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo congratulated the agency for its outstanding performance in 2024.

“We’re all witnesses to the good work you are doing and we are proud of your performance,” Dankwambo said.

He assured more support to enable the agency function effectively in 2025.