The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has asserted that the ongoing amendment of the NDLEA Act will significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to combat illicit drug trafficking and abuse. He made this known during a high-level engagement with stakeholders and lawmakers, where he reiterated the importance of modern legal frameworks in the country’s evolving drug control strategies.
Marwa emphasized that Nigeria, like many other nations, is facing a dynamic and increasingly complex drug problem that necessitates an updated and responsive legal regime. He noted that the current NDLEA Act, promulgated over three decades ago, no longer fully captures the scope and challenges of contemporary drug trafficking operations, especially with the rapid evolution of technology and transnational criminal networks.
According to Marwa, “The NDLEA Act is overdue for amendment. We are dealing with an entirely different drug landscape today compared to the 1990s. Criminals are now using advanced technologies, money laundering networks, and global syndicates to operate. We must update our laws to match this new reality.”
The proposed amendments, which are currently being reviewed by the National Assembly, aim to broaden the agency’s powers, redefine key terms in line with international best practices, and impose stiffer penalties on drug offenders. Marwa highlighted specific areas of focus, including provisions for asset forfeiture, witness protection, intelligence sharing, and greater cooperation with international agencies.
He noted that the legal reform will also expand the agency’s mandate in areas such as demand reduction, rehabilitation, and the regulation of precursor chemicals used in drug production. This holistic approach, he said, aligns with the principles of public health and human rights that underpin modern drug control efforts globally.
In his words, “We are not only going after traffickers; we also have to help victims of drug abuse. The law must allow us to carry out more effective rehabilitation, counseling, and education programs. Drug addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failure, and our response must reflect that.”
The NDLEA boss also underscored the agency’s progress in recent years, including record-breaking drug seizures, high-profile arrests, and the dismantling of major drug syndicates. He attributed these successes to improved intelligence, inter-agency cooperation, and the commitment of NDLEA officers nationwide.
“Since 2021, we have seized over 6,000 tons of illicit drugs, arrested thousands of suspects, and secured hundreds of convictions. But these achievements are just the beginning. We must institutionalize these gains through stronger legislation,” Marwa said.
Stakeholders at the event, including members of the Senate and House Committees on Drugs and Narcotics, expressed their support for the amendment bill, commending the NDLEA for its renewed vigor and transparency under Marwa’s leadership.
Senator Ibrahim Abdulrahman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, remarked that the amendment was timely and necessary to empower the agency to meet its objectives. “What we are doing is to give NDLEA the tools it needs to function effectively in a challenging environment. Drug abuse is not only a health issue but also a threat to national security,” he said.
He added that the legislative arm was committed to fast-tracking the process to ensure that the law reflects current realities. Lawmakers also pledged to work closely with civil society organizations and international partners to ensure the amended Act reflects both domestic needs and international commitments.
Civil society representatives and legal experts present at the session echoed similar sentiments. They stressed the importance of a rights-based approach to drug control and urged the inclusion of measures that protect vulnerable groups, promote gender sensitivity, and support community-based rehabilitation efforts.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which has been a strategic partner to the NDLEA, has also expressed support for the amendment. In a recent statement, the agency praised Nigeria’s commitment to drug policy reform and pledged continued technical assistance.
Meanwhile, Marwa reiterated that the amendment will also enhance the agency’s financial autonomy and capacity to retain skilled personnel. He revealed that the NDLEA is currently understaffed and underfunded, despite being on the frontline of the war against drugs.
“Our officers are overstretched. We need better funding, equipment, and manpower to cover every nook and cranny of this country. The amended Act will allow us to recruit more professionals and adopt modern enforcement techniques,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of preventive strategies, including drug education in schools, community outreach, and the involvement of religious and traditional leaders. “Everyone has a role to play. The family, schools, religious institutions, the media – we must all be united in this fight,” Marwa stated.
As the country awaits the passage of the amended NDLEA Act, there is growing optimism that the reforms will usher in a new era for Nigeria’s drug control architecture. Experts believe that with a robust legal framework and continued political will, Nigeria can significantly reduce drug-related harm and enhance national security.
Marwa concluded with a call for continued support from all sectors of society. “This is not a battle the NDLEA can fight alone. We need the support of the legislature, the judiciary, communities, and international partners. With a modern Act, we will be better equipped to safeguard the health and future of our nation,” he said.
The NDLEA Act amendment, when passed into law, is expected to mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking, reinforcing the country’s determination to meet both local and global drug control goals.
