The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has pledged its unwavering support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its intensified campaign against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This commitment was made public following a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Chairman of the committee, Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retired), at the agency's national headquarters in Abuja.
Senator Ikpea's Visit and Commitment
Senator Ikpea, who represents the Edo Central Senatorial District, explained that the purpose of his visit was to learn from the NDLEA and to forge a strong partnership with the agency. He expressed admiration for Marwa's track record of achievements, noting his previous roles as Military Governor of the old Borno State, Military Administrator of Lagos State, and his current leadership of the NDLEA.
"I have heard numerous positive reports about you as a sincere, straightforward, passionate, and dedicated individual, especially your accomplishments as Military Governor in Borno State and Military Administrator in Lagos State, as well as your current engagement at the NDLEA where you are also making significant impacts," the Senator stated.
He added, "I am here to learn and partner with you so that we can rescue our children who have fallen into drug abuse through rehabilitation, and prevent others from falling into the drug trap through extensive awareness creation and sensitization programs aimed at prevention. We are eager to work with you and support you in all these efforts because we recognize that you are already doing an excellent job but may not be receiving all the resources needed. Therefore, we will collaborate with you through legislative support and necessary laws to overcome the drug problem in our country."
Marwa's Response and Appreciation
In his response, Marwa thanked the senator for the visit and assured him of the agency's readiness to work closely with him and the Senate committee. He congratulated Ikpea on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, attributing it to his reputation as an upright individual.
"The drug problem is a major challenge that underlies many other social issues, not only in Nigeria but globally. However, I must say that we are doing our utmost to curb this scourge and are achieving impressive results, including dismantling major transnational drug cartels, arresting high-profile barons, and weakening their financial base through seizure and forfeiture of assets. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly through the committees in the Senate and the House, as well as the Judiciary," Marwa said.
He emphasized that the NDLEA would continue to be proactive in its drug supply reduction 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 of the day, it will be recorded that you did your best in supporting the drug war in Nigeria," Marwa concluded.
