Senate Backs NDLEA War On Drugs, Vows Stronger Laws As Ikpea Meets Marwa

June 16, () — The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has pledged full legislative backing for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria’s intensifying battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, with the committee’s chairman, Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, promising stronger laws and closer collaboration to tackle the country’s growing drug crisis.

The assurance was given during a courtesy visit by Senator Ikpea to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s anti-drug campaign.

Ikpea, who was recently appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, said his visit was aimed at familiarising himself with the agency’s operations while establishing a working relationship that would help deepen the fight against drug abuse, trafficking and related criminal activities.

The senator, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, commended Marwa for what he described as his exemplary leadership and longstanding record of service in public office, highlighting his previous roles as Military Governor of old Borno State, Military Administrator of Lagos State and his current stewardship of the NDLEA.

Ikpea said Marwa’s track record in public service and the agency’s visible successes in recent years have earned him widespread respect, making the NDLEA a critical institution deserving stronger legislative support.

“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”, he said.

The senator stressed the urgent need for strategic collaboration between lawmakers and the NDLEA to combat the alarming rise in drug abuse, particularly among Nigerian youths, warning that substance addiction continues to destroy lives and fuel broader social problems across communities.

He said the Senate committee intends to work closely with the agency in strengthening rehabilitation programmes for victims of drug addiction while expanding preventive measures through aggressive awareness campaigns and nationwide sensitisation initiatives.

“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”, Ikpea stated.

Responding, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Marwa, thanked the senator for the visit and welcomed the commitment of the Senate Committee to support the agency’s operations through stronger legislative intervention.

Marwa congratulated Ikpea on his appointment, describing him as an upright public official whose emergence as the chairman of the committee reflected confidence in his leadership credentials.

He described drug abuse and trafficking as one of the most dangerous global social challenges, noting that narcotics-related crimes often contribute to rising insecurity, violent crime and other social vices affecting nations around the world.

“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”, Marwa said.

The NDLEA boss highlighted some of the agency’s recent operational successes, including the dismantling of major transnational drug cartels, arrests of high-profile drug barons and the disruption of criminal financial networks through the seizure and forfeiture of illicit assets linked to drug trafficking operations.

He noted that the agency’s progress in recent years has been strengthened by the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly and the judiciary, saying sustained institutional backing has helped improve the agency’s operational effectiveness.

Marwa further assured that the NDLEA would remain proactive in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts nationwide as it continues to intensify enforcement operations and public awareness campaigns.

“We’re proud and delighted to have you as chairman of the Senate committee, and we pray that at the end it’ll be on record that you did your best in support of the drug war in Nigeria”, he added.