The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has pledged stronger legislative backing for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as part of efforts to tackle rising drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
The commitment was made on Monday during a courtesy visit by the committee’s Chairman, Senator Joseph Ikpea, to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Ikpea said the Senate would support the agency with laws and policy reforms aimed at strengthening drug control, expanding rehabilitation programmes, and intensifying awareness campaigns targeting young people.
He said the visit was also to build a closer partnership with the NDLEA and better understand ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse across the country.
“I am here to learn and partner with you so that our children who have gone into drug abuse can be rehabilitated, while others are prevented from falling into the drug trap through awareness creation and sensitisation programmes,” he said.
The senator praised Marwa’s public service record and described him as a committed and result-oriented leader.
He added that the Senate was ready to support the agency with necessary legislative interventions to address the growing drug problem.
Responding, Marwa described drug abuse and trafficking as a major driver of social and security challenges in Nigeria and beyond.
He said the NDLEA had recorded significant successes, including the dismantling of drug cartels, arrests of traffickers, and seizure of assets linked to illicit drug operations.
Marwa attributed the progress to support from the Presidency, the National Assembly and the judiciary, adding that the agency remains committed to both drug supply and demand reduction strategies.
He expressed confidence that the Senate committee’s leadership would further strengthen national efforts against drug abuse and trafficking.
The meeting comes amid rising concerns over substance abuse among Nigerian youths and ongoing efforts to disrupt organised drug networks.
Michael Olugbode
