NDLEA RELOCATES: Marwa charges personnel to remain unrelenting in battle against drug cartels

Oru Leonard 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has relocated its headquarters to a new facility in Abuja. The new facility, located in the Jahi area, is part of a phased development project expected to be completed by 2025.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the relocation as a significant step in transforming the agency into a modern and result-oriented anti-narcotic agency.

Marwa expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement, which has enabled the agency to achieve its mandate of curbing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The old head office in Gimbiya, Garki area of the FCT, will continue to serve as the headquarters annex.

While stating that the old head office in Gimbiya, Garki area of the FCT will continue to serve as the headquarters annex, the NDLEA boss expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and encouragement to the Agency to be in a position to achieve its mandate of curbing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
“The support we are getting from our international partners and local stakeholders especially President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Judiciary and the citizenry, is not just to appreciate our efforts but to encourage us to do more and I believe this new work environment will motivate you to surpass past feats”, Marwa told a crowd of excited management staff, officers and men of the Agency at the ceremony. He commended his predecessor for starting the process of getting a befitting headquarters for the Agency.

In his welcome remark, Secretary to the Agency, Shadrach Haruna, commended Marwa for providing inspiring leadership that has in three years transformed NDLEA into the same class with its counterparts across the world in terms of professionalism, capability and capacity.
“The commissioning of our headquarters today is part of the incremental but well-laid agenda for the repositioning of the Agency by the chairman. We have witnessed some monumental achievements since 2021, including increasing the staff strength of the Agency from 5,000 to 15,000. Promotion of officers, opening up of vacancies, payment of accumulated allowances to staff and widows of our fallen officers, the recent amendment of the Agency’s enabling law by the National Assembly, and many more.

Christian and Islamic prayers were offered for President Tinubu and Nigeria while a commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the event.

The relocation is expected to enhance the agency’s operations, efficiency, and effectiveness in combating drug trafficking and abuse.