By Ibironke Ariyo
The Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has congratulated the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, on the renewal of his tenure.
In a statement on Friday in Abuja, VGADA Executive Director, Dr Hope Omeiza, described Marwa’s leadership as transformative and visionary in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Marwa as the NDLEA Chairman for another five-year term.
NAN reports that Marwa, first appointed in January 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, will now serve until 2031.
A former military governor of Lagos and Borno States, Marwa previously chaired the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to 2020, before his elevation to the NDLEA leadership role.
Reacting, the VGADA boss said that since his appointment, Marwa had led the NDLEA to operational and strategic successes, including major drug seizures.
This, he said, included dismantling high-profile trafficking networks and strengthening intelligence-led operations that significantly reduced the flow of illicit substances into and within the country.
He, however, noted that beyond enforcement, the NDLEA under Marwa had prioritised education, prevention, and rehabilitation programmes, ensuring a holistic and community-focused approach to combating drug abuse.
“Marwa’s tenure has been characterised by integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to building a drug-free Nigeria.
“His renewed mandate is well-deserved, and we are confident that the next phase of his leadership will further consolidate the NDLEA’s gains and positively impact more lives across our nation,” he said.
The VGADA boss said that Marwa’s leadership had strengthened collaboration with national and international partners.
He added that it has also enhanced public trust in law enforcement and inspired stakeholders to actively participate in curbing substance abuse.
“We urge Nigerians, community groups, and stakeholders to support the NDLEA under Marwa’s continued stewardship and extend our best wishes for wisdom, resilience, and success in the new tenure,” he said.
