The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has pledged to strengthen legislative support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a renewed effort to curb the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking across 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 (retd.), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Ikpea said the Senate was prepared to introduce and support laws and policy reforms aimed at reinforcing the country’s drug control framework, expanding rehabilitation programmes, and increasing public awareness, particularly among young people.
According to him, the visit was intended to strengthen collaboration between the National Assembly and the NDLEA while gaining deeper insight into the agency’s ongoing efforts to tackle substance abuse and drug-related crimes.
“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,” Ikpea said.
The senator commended Marwa’s leadership of the anti-narcotics agency, describing him as a dedicated and results-driven public servant whose efforts have contributed significantly to the fight against illicit drugs.
He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to providing the necessary legislative backing to address the growing challenge posed by drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
In his response, Marwa described drug abuse and illicit trafficking as major drivers of social instability, crime and security challenges in Nigeria and across the globe.
The NDLEA boss noted that the agency has recorded notable successes in recent years, including the dismantling of drug cartels, arrest of traffickers, and seizure of assets linked to illegal drug operations.
Marwa attributed these achievements to sustained support from the Presidency, the National Assembly and the judiciary, stressing that the agency remains committed to reducing both the supply and demand for illicit drugs.
He expressed optimism that the leadership of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics would further strengthen national efforts to combat substance abuse and drug trafficking through effective legislation and oversight.
The meeting comes amid growing concerns over the increasing rate of substance abuse among Nigerian youths and ongoing efforts by authorities to disrupt organised drug networks operating within and outside the country.
