The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has pledged full legislative support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as the agency intensifies efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the assurance was given on Monday during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Ikpea said he was at the NDLEA headquarters to strengthen collaboration with the agency and gain deeper insight into its operations. He commended Marwa for his distinguished record of public service, citing his achievements as Military Governor of the old Borno State, Military Administrator of Lagos State, and his current leadership of the NDLEA.
The lawmaker, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District, expressed concern over the growing challenge of drug abuse among Nigerian youths and emphasized the need for a coordinated approach focused on rehabilitation, prevention, awareness creation and public sensitisation.
“I have heard so many positive things about you as a sincere, straightforward, passionate and committed person, especially your achievements as Military Governor in the old Borno State and Military Administrator of Lagos State, as well as your current engagement as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA where you’re also making great impacts,” Ikpea said.
He assured the agency of the Senate Committee’s readiness to provide legislative backing and support initiatives aimed at addressing the country’s drug problem.
“We are happy to work with you and support you in all of these because we know you’re already doing a great job but not getting as much as you need to do the work. So, we will partner with you through legislative support and necessary laws to subdue the drug problem in our country,” he added.
Responding, Brigadier General Marwa thanked the senator for the visit and congratulated him on his appointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics.
The NDLEA boss described drug abuse and trafficking as a major challenge confronting societies worldwide, noting that the menace remains a driving factor behind several social and security problems.
Marwa said the agency had continued to record notable successes in its operations, including the dismantling of transnational drug cartels, the arrest of high-profile drug barons, and the seizure and forfeiture of assets linked to illicit drug activities.
“The drug problem is a major challenge that is at the root of some other social issues, not only in Nigeria but globally. However, I must say that we’re doing our level best to curb the scourge and we’re getting impressive results, including the dismantling of major transnational drug cartels, arrest of high-profile barons and weakening their financial base through the seizure and forfeiture of their assets,” Marwa stated.
He attributed the agency’s achievements to the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the Judiciary, while assuring the committee chairman of NDLEA’s readiness to work closely with the Senate in advancing the nation’s anti-drug campaign.
Marwa further stated that the agency would continue to pursue aggressive drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction strategies across the country, expressing confidence that Senator Ikpea’s leadership of the committee would strengthen support for the ongoing war against illicit drugs in Nigeria.
