The new Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has resumed office and bemoaned the increasing number of drug users at over 15 million in Nigeria.
Speaking during his inaugural address at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Monday, he lamented the growing population of drug users, pointing out that in 2018 about 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15-64, were found to be drug users, which is nearly three times global prevalence at the time.
Marwa vowed to overhaul and expand the NDLEA in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA).
According to him, the agency would put equal efforts in drug demand reduction as contained in the NDLEA act and develop strategy of work to meet objectives in the National Drug Control Masterplan 2021 – 2025 as a roadmap.
Marwa also promised to safeguard the nation and youths from drug menace, while vowing never to hesitate in penalizing default.
“I would like to warn those who engage in the dastardly trade of importation, export, cultivation, processing, manufacture, trafficking, sale and consumption of illicit substances to stop forthwith or be prepared to contend with the NDLEA,” he said.
On the welfare of staffs, “I want to assure you all that your welfare will be given utmost attention. The outstanding issues of stagnation in rank, trainings, postings and due emoluments, will be addressed as priority.
He however declined to entertain journalists’ questions on the recent suspension of screening of 5,000 applicants seeking employment with NDLEA.
PRNigeria reports that the federal government stopped the planned screening of 5000 applicants as part of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Before his appointment, Marwa was Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA) between 2018 and December 2020, to develop a blueprint on how to end drug abuse in Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
