HomeEconomy#NDLEA Seeks Enhanced Budgetary Support to Tackle Accommodation Challenges

#NDLEA Seeks Enhanced Budgetary Support to Tackle Accommodation Challenges

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called for increased support from the National Assembly to address critical challenges, particularly accommodation for the agency’s personnel. Marwa made this appeal while defending the NDLEA’s 2025 budget proposal before the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs.

Appreciation and Advocacy

Expressing gratitude to the committees for their steadfast support in 2024, Marwa highlighted the pressing need for improved infrastructure to bolster the agency’s operations. He emphasized the importance of ongoing barracks projects to enhance the security, welfare, and performance of NDLEA officers across the country.

“Our commands across the federation face significant challenges, especially inadequate accommodation. Reports of attacks on our officers and their families make this an urgent priority. The barracks project is critical to our operational success and efficiency,” Marwa stated.

He also extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent encouragement and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the National Assembly to achieve a drug-free Nigeria.

2025 Budget Overview

The NDLEA’s 2025 budget proposal totals N67.5 billion, allocated as follows:

  • Recurrent Personnel Costs: N47.16 billion
  • Recurrent Overhead Costs: N3.38 billion
  • Capital Expenditure: N16.97 billion

Marwa noted that the personnel costs reflect the agency’s staff strength of over 14,038 officers, while the overhead costs cover critical operational activities, including intelligence gathering, arrests, investigations, and prosecutions.

However, he expressed concern over the lack of allocation for the ongoing barracks project under the capital expenditure component. “Proper accommodation is vital for enhancing staff morale, ensuring security, and strengthening our capacity to fulfill our mandate,” he said.

Growing Challenges and Reforms

Marwa outlined the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to address rising challenges, including sophisticated drug cartels, widespread drug abuse, and inadequate infrastructure. To counter these, the agency has initiated several reforms, including the construction of barracks to ensure secure housing for personnel and improve operational efficiency.

“Currently, many commands operate from rented facilities, which are inadequate for effective administration. Addressing this gap will ensure the NDLEA remains capable of tackling the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking,” Marwa emphasized.

Legislative Support

The House Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon. Abass Adigun, assured of the committee’s commitment to ensuring adequate funding for the NDLEA. “We remain committed to allocating public funds efficiently, with a focus on transparency and measurable outcomes,” he stated.

Similarly, the Senate Committee Chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, commended the NDLEA for its outstanding performance in 2024. “We are proud of your achievements and will continue to support you to ensure even greater successes,” Dankwambo said.

Conclusion

The NDLEA’s appeal for enhanced funding underscores the agency’s critical role in safeguarding Nigeria from the scourge of narcotics and drug abuse. With sustained legislative and executive support, the agency aims to overcome its challenges, improve operational integrity, and fulfill its mandate of creating a drug-free Nigeria.

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