By Precious Mark
The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has pledged its full support to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing campaign against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country.
The assurance was given when Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, the newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, paid a courtesy visit to Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Ikpea said he came to learn from the NDLEA leadership and explore areas of partnership in addressing Nigeria’s growing drug problem.
The Lawmaker, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District, commended Marwa for his record of public service, describing him as a committed and result-oriented leader.
“I have heard so many positive things about you as a sincere, straightforward, passionate and committed person, especially your achievements as Military Governor of the old Borno State, Military Administrator of Lagos State, as well as your current engagement as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA where you are also making great impacts,” Ikpea said.
He added that the Senate committee would work closely with the agency to strengthen rehabilitation programmes for drug users and expand public enlightenment campaigns aimed at preventing drug abuse among young Nigerians.
“We are happy to work with you and support you in all of these because we know you are 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,” he said.
Responding, Marwa thanked the senator for the visit and expressed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with the committee in advancing the fight against drugs.
He described substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as major challenges that contribute to several social problems in Nigeria and across 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 are doing our level best to curb the scourge and we are getting impressive results,” Marwa said.
According to him, the agency has recorded significant successes, including the dismantling of major transnational drug cartels, the arrest of high-profile drug barons, and the seizure and forfeiture of assets linked to illicit drug activities.
Marwa attributed the achievements to the support of Pres. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the Judiciary.
He assured that the NDLEA would remain proactive in its drug supply and drug demand reduction efforts across the country.
“We are proud and delighted to have you as chairman of the Senate committee and we pray that at the end it will be on record that you did your best in support of the drug war in Nigeria,” he added.