Senate Committee Pledges Full Support for NDLEA’s Fight Against Drug Abuse, Trafficking
The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria.
The assurance was given during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting marked the beginning of a strengthened partnership between the National Assembly committee and the anti-narcotics agency, with both parties expressing a shared commitment to addressing the growing challenges posed by drug abuse and illicit drug trade in the country.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Ikpea emphasized the importance of legislative support in enhancing the capacity of the NDLEA to carry out its mandate effectively. He assured the agency of the committee’s readiness to provide the necessary backing to strengthen drug control policies, improve operational effectiveness, and support initiatives aimed at protecting Nigerian communities from the dangers of narcotics.
The senator noted that drug abuse remains a significant social and public health challenge, particularly among young people, and requires coordinated efforts from government institutions, lawmakers, security agencies, and civil society organizations.
In his response, Brig. Gen. Marwa welcomed the Senate Committee’s support and highlighted the agency’s achievements in recent years, including major drug seizures, arrests of suspected traffickers, convictions, and expanded drug demand reduction programmes.
He stressed that the fight against illicit drugs requires a balanced approach that combines drug supply reduction through enforcement operations with drug demand reduction through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and public awareness campaigns.
According to the NDLEA Chairman, sustained collaboration between the legislature and enforcement agencies is essential to strengthening the nation’s response to the drug problem and ensuring that existing laws remain effective in addressing emerging threats.
Both parties agreed to maintain close cooperation in advancing strategies aimed at reducing the availability of illicit drugs and curbing substance abuse nationwide.
The partnership is expected to support ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to intensify enforcement operations against drug trafficking networks while expanding education and rehabilitation initiatives targeted at vulnerable populations.
Nigeria continues to face challenges related to drug abuse and trafficking, with authorities regularly warning about the impact of illicit substances on public health, security, crime, and socio-economic development.
Stakeholders have repeatedly called for increased investment in prevention programmes, stronger border controls, improved rehabilitation services, and enhanced public awareness campaigns to address the problem comprehensively.
The latest engagement between the Senate Committee and the NDLEA signals renewed institutional commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign and promoting a safer, healthier society through sustained enforcement and preventive measures.
