President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the reappointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for an additional five-year term. This decision extends Marwa's leadership of the anti-narcotics agency until 2031, continuing a tenure that began in January 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Marwa's Distinguished Career Path
The reappointment reinforces the government's confidence in the Adamawa-born retired general, whose remarkable career has spanned military service, diplomatic roles, and state governance. Marwa initially assumed the NDLEA leadership after serving as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse between 2018 and December 2020.
Seven Key Facts About Buba Marwa
Military Family Background and Education
Born on September 9, 1953 in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, Marwa comes from a distinguished military family. Both his father, Buba Marwa, and grandfather, Buba Yola, served honorably in the Nigerian Army. His educational journey took him through primary schools across Nigeria in Enugu, Zaria, Abeokuta, and Lagos between 1960 and 1965.
Marwa's military training began at the Nigerian Military School in Zaria from 1966 to 1970. He later completed a combatant course at the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Reconnaissance Corps in June 1973.
Military and International Service
Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant, Marwa transitioned to the Armoured Corps where he built an impressive career. His roles included serving as Brigade Major of the 23 Armoured Brigade and Aide-de-Camp to Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Theophilus Danjuma. His international experience includes serving as Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC, and later as Defence Adviser to Nigeria's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in 1992.
State Governance Achievements
Marwa's administrative capabilities shone during his tenure as Governor of Borno State in June 1990. His administration established the first Ministry of Water Resources and completed significant projects including the Maiduguri International Hotel. His leadership during this period coincided with challenging cross-border raids by rogue Chadian soldiers following Idriss Deby's seizure of power in Chad.
In August 1996, Marwa became Military Administrator of Lagos State, serving a three-year term marked by numerous developmental initiatives. His "Operation 250 Roads" program significantly improved motoring conditions, while he also implemented free malaria treatment and rent regulation policies to protect tenants. The introduction of "Operation Sweep," a joint police and military effort, dramatically reduced crime rates in Lagos.
Financial Integrity and Recognition
Notably, Marwa managed a strict budget of N14 billion during his Lagos administration and handed over N2 billion in cash at the end of his tenure—the highest amount ever transferred between state administrations at that time. His effective leadership earned him the "Nigeria's Man of the Year 1997" award from Newswatch magazine.
Challenges and Legacy
Throughout his career, Marwa faced significant challenges, including reported assassination attempts and bomb attacks between 1996 and 1998. During the fuel shortages of May 1998, he implemented fuel rationing in Lagos to manage the crisis, and in July 1998, he inaugurated Nigeria's largest asphalt plant.
With his renewed mandate, Marwa continues to lead Nigeria's fight against drug trafficking and abuse, bringing his extensive experience in security, governance, and public administration to confront one of the nation's most pressing challenges.
