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Marwa seeks more support from National Assembly, defends N67.5B 2025 NDLEA budget
The Chairman National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa has appealed for the continued support of the National Assembly (NASS) to enhance the capacity and capability of the agency to deliver on its mandate.
Marwa made the appeal in Abuja when he led the management team to defend the 2025 budget proposal of the agency before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics respectively.
A statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi on Tuesday in Abuja stated that Marwa expressed appreciation to the NASS members for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The NDLEA boss equally thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA.
Marwa emphasised that the NDLEA commands across the federation were contending with significant challenges, particularly lack of accommodation.
He pleaded for budgetary provision for the ongoing barracks accommodation for the personnel to enhance their security, dedication and performance.
“I cannot overstate this matter because it all comes to my desk when you get these reports of attacks on our officers and so on and so forth, killing personnel and their families.
“So, we know that we trust that this esteemed committee will do its best. And we know that there are compelling demands from other MDAs, but the barracks project is critical to the operational efficiency and success of NDLEA.
“I must not forget to seize this opportunity to also appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his continuing support and encouragement to the agency.
“I also wish to reaffirm the agency’s unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with the National Assembly, in particular this esteemed committee, to advance our shared vision of a drug-free Nigeria.
“With your support, we are confident in our ability to enhance our operations and fulfill our mandate of safeguarding the security of our nation.
“In the budget proposal for 2025 fiscal year, the agency was allocated N67, 512, 564, 063 with recurrent personnel cost taking N47, 159,240, 496; recurrent overhead N3, 384,332, 017 and capital expenditure N16, 968, 991, 550, ” he said
Marwa explained that the recurrent personnel cost reflected the nominal roll of the agency’s staff strength totaling over 14,038 officers, men and women.
He added the recurrent overhead cost covered the operational expenses of intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations and prosecutions.
The NDLEA boss called for the enhancement of the N16b provided for capital expenditure, which had zero allocation for the ongoing barracks project component.
This, he said, was to enable the agency to continue with the provision of secure accommodation for its workforce across the country.
Justifying his plea, Marwa said that the agency faces growing challenges, including sophisticated drug cartels, drug abuse and inadequate critical infrastructure.
“To address these issues, NDLEA has embarked on reforms, including constructing barracks to accommodate its personnel, improve operational integrity and ensure security.
“Currently, many commands operate from rented facilities, which are inadequate for effective administration.
“Proper accommodation will enhance staff morale, ensure security, and strengthen the agency’s capacity to execute its mandate.”
In his remarks, House Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Rep. Abass Adigun assured of their commitment to adequate funding to enhance NDLEA’s operational successes.
“This committee recognises the critical role the NDLEA plays in safeguarding our communities from the scourge of narcotics and illicit substances.
“As we engage in today’s deliberations, we remain committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently, with a focus on measurable outcomes, transparency, and accountability.
“I urge all participants to contribute thoughtfully as we work together to ensure the NDLEA is well-resourced to fulfill its vital mandate in the new year”, the lawmaker stated.
Speaking in the same vein, the Senate Committee Chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo congratulated the agency for its outstanding performance in 2024.
“We’re all witnesses to the good work you are doing and we are proud of your performance”, Dankwambo said.
He assured more support to enable the agency function effectively in 2025. (NAN)
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi, the esteemed Vice Chairman of Jaba Local Government in Kaduna State, extends his warmest wishes to the Muslim Ummah as they celebrate the sacred occasion of Eid-El-Fitr.
This significant festival marks the culmination of Ramadan, a period of immense devotion, faith, and obedience to the Almighty.
Hon. Mustapha expresses his heartfelt congratulations to all Muslim brothers and sisters within Jaba Local Government, Kaduna State, and across Nigeria.
He acknowledges their commitment to fasting and spiritual reflection throughout the holy month and commends their perseverance in observing this fundamental pillar of Islam.
The holy month of Ramadan instils invaluable virtues such as piety, faith, sacrifice, patience, and kindness. Hon. Mustapha emphasises that these principles are essential for fostering a strong, united, and just society.
By embracing these values, individuals can contribute to the development and harmony of their local communities and the broader Nigerian society.
He encourages the Muslim Ummah to carry forward these spiritual lessons beyond Ramadan, applying them in their daily interactions, decision-making, and community engagements. “By doing so, we can help build a more cohesive, compassionate, and prosperous society” Hon. Mustapha stated.
The Vice Chairman extends his prayers for the well-being of all Muslims and Christians. He seeks Allah’s guidance and blessings upon the faithful, praying for their continued health, protection, and prosperity. He also hopes that Allah grants them the opportunity to witness and partake in many more Ramadan seasons in the future.
Hon. Mustapha further urges the Muslim community to embrace the spirit of unity and generosity, supporting those in need and fostering goodwill among people of all backgrounds.
He believes that by upholding these principles, the Muslim Ummah will continue to play a vital role in nurturing peace and progress within Jaba Local Government and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi reiterates his heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah once more, on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
Hon. Mustapha also urged citizens to support the good government of Governor Uba Sani and Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku for positive Kaduna State.
He prays for a joyous and blessed Eid-El-Fitr, filled with love, happiness, and divine favour.
Barka Da Sallah.
Acclaimed gospel artist and songwriter Dr. Panam Percy Paul has disclosed that he rejected a substantial £24 million record deal in 1995 due to its stipulation requiring a reduction in the mention of “Jesus” in his music.
In a recent interview with Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Paul shared that the three-year contract, valued at approximately N7 billion at the time, included conditions that contradicted his religious beliefs.
The record label proposed that he substitute names like “Righteous One” or “Greatest Lover” for direct references to Jesus.
“The condition was, ‘Can you limit the number of times you mention the name Jesus in your songs?’” Paul recalled. “One representative even suggested, ‘You don’t really need to say Jesus. You can use other names instead.’ I was taken aback and responded, ‘You can keep the money; I’ll keep the name.’”
The seasoned gospel musician also voiced concerns regarding the growing commercialization of gospel music, asserting that record labels and marketers now dictate the creative direction of artists.
“Currently, the situation has escalated to where the music ministry has transformed into a music industry,” he expressed. “The industry now prescribes what ministers should do, how they should perform, and when they should do it.”
Paul’s revelation has ignited conversations about the impact of commercial interests on gospel music and the challenges artists face in preserving their faith-based messages.
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has placed fire service personnel on red alert to ensure swift response to emergencies during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Jaji also urged Nigerians to adopt fire safety measures, particularly while cooking, to prevent avoidable incidents during the festive period.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the fire service boss advised against leaving cooking unattended and emphasized the need to store gas cylinders outside kitchens and keep matches away from children.
“These safety measures are crucial in preventing fire outbreaks, especially during a period when many people travel, increasing the risks of fuel tanker accidents,” he said.
He added that all fire service commands and zones across the country have been placed on high alert to respond promptly to emergencies.
“I urge citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact details of their local fire service units for quick intervention in case of any fire incident,” Jaji stated.
The fire chief also stressed the need for fuel tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials to be fitted with onboard cameras to enhance safety.
“Many tankers on Nigerian roads still fail to meet modern safety standards. These substandard vehicles contribute to rising accident figures, leading to loss of lives and property and leaving many families in distress,” he said.
Jaji noted that modern tankers come with features such as anti-rollover systems, anti-spill devices, and onboard cameras to monitor drivers’ behavior, which help in preventing road crashes.
“The continued use of substandard tankers without these safety features remains a major risk,” he warned.
While acknowledging the financial burden of replacing old fleets, Jaji suggested an alternative approach—installing onboard computers to monitor driving patterns, speed, and nighttime movements.
“Although the complete replacement or retrofitting of tankers with modern safety devices like anti-skid systems, speed limiters, and automatic emergency braking remains a priority, government agencies responsible for enforcing these measures are working to address the issue. Over time, we are confident that these improvements will be implemented,” he assured.