Agency’s former headquarters now annex
By Hussein J-Isah
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ,NDLEA, has moved to its new headquarters office, located in Jahi area of FCT, Abuja.
The movement symbolizes completion of the first phase of the NDLEA’s national headquarters project commissioned during an interdenominational service held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), who spoke at the inauguration emphasized the significance of the move as a milestone in the agency’s ongoing transformation.
Gen. Marwa stated that the relocation of the agency’s headquarters was part of the moves to modernize and improve the Agency’s operational capabilities, which started in January 2021.
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer said: ” I’m glad we have finally moved into this facility despite initial budgetary constraints,” adding that , “Although this is not 100% completed, it is sufficiently functional for us to operate. With the agency’s expansion, the old headquarters could no longer accommodate our staff, which made this move essential. This low-key inauguration will enable us to consolidate operations for better efficiency and seamless coordination.”
He added that the old headquarters in Gimbiya Street, Garki, Abuja, will continue to function as an annex.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his support and hailed international partners, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and Nigerian citizens for their support to the agency., expressing the confidence that the new facilities would help to spur personnel of the agency to greater achievements than in the past, towards achieving more success in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
He noted the contributions of his predecessor in coming up with the idea of a modern headquarters, even as he enumerated the NDLEA’s strategic advancements since 2021.
In his welcome address, Secretary to the NDLEA, Shadrach Haruna, praised Gen.Marwa’s transformative leadership style, which he acknowledged made it possible for the agency to achieve global standards and an improved professionalism with operational capacity.
The NDLEA Secretary noted that, “Under the Chairman’s leadership, the NDLEA has increased its staff strength from 5,000 to 15,000, facilitated promotions, cleared accumulated allowances, and supported widows of fallen officers. The recent amendment of the agency’s enabling law is another testament to this administration’s commitment to progress.”
At the inauguration prayers were offered to President Tinubu and the nation, while commemorative plaque was also unveiled to symbolically mark the occasion .
The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, corroborated the fact that the agency’s expanded operational base would strengthen its capacity to combat drug cartels and ensure a drug-free society.
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