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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended the tenure of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retired) as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for an additional five years, ensuring his leadership continues until 2031. This decision underscores the administration's strong endorsement of Marwa's aggressive campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse, which has been a cornerstone of Nigeria's public health and security strategy in recent years.
The announcement was made public through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity. Onanuga highlighted that the reappointment reflects President Tinubu's confidence in Marwa's ability to sustain and intensify efforts to dismantle drug networks that threaten the nation's youth and societal fabric. In his message to the NDLEA chief, President Tinubu stated: “Your reappointment is a vote of confidence in your onerous efforts to rid our country of the menace of drug trafficking and drug abuse. I urge you not to relent in tracking the merchants of hard drugs who are out to destroy our people, especially the young ones.” This direct appeal emphasizes the high stakes involved, as drug-related issues continue to exacerbate crime, health crises, and economic instability across Nigeria.
Marwa's initial appointment to the NDLEA helm came in January 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Prior to that, from 2018 to December 2020, he served as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse, a role that positioned him as a key architect of national anti-drug policies. His return for a second term is not merely procedural; it signals continuity in a battle that has seen notable successes under his watch, including heightened seizures of illicit substances, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and public awareness campaigns aimed at prevention.
Born in Adamawa State, Marwa brings a wealth of experience from both military and civilian spheres. His early career as a military officer began with commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1973, following graduation from the prestigious Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Over the decades, he ascended through the ranks, holding critical positions that honed his strategic and administrative skills. Among these were Brigade Major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Lieutenant-General Theophilus Danjuma during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, and Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy. These roles demanded precision, discipline, and a deep understanding of operational command—qualities that have translated effectively into his anti-drug endeavors.
Marwa's international exposure further enriches his profile. He served as Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he navigated complex diplomatic relations with one of the world's superpowers. Later, he took on the role of Defence Adviser to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, engaging in global security dialogues and fostering alliances that could support domestic initiatives. Such postings equipped him with a broader perspective on transnational crime, including the intricate web of international drug cartels that often target Nigeria as a transit hub and consumer market.
Academically, Marwa is no less accomplished. He pursued advanced studies in the United States, earning a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh between 1983 and 1985. This was followed by a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University from 1985 to 1986. These degrees, from renowned institutions, have provided him with theoretical frameworks in governance, policy formulation, and international relations—tools he has applied to modernize the NDLEA's operations. Under his leadership, the agency has adopted data-driven approaches, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and integrated technology for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The renewal of Marwa's appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for Nigeria's war on drugs. The country has grappled with escalating challenges, including the influx of synthetic opioids like tramadol and methamphetamine, often smuggled through porous borders or via maritime routes. Youth unemployment, poverty, and social vulnerabilities have fueled addiction rates, contributing to a cycle of crime and instability. Marwa's first term witnessed record-breaking interdictions: thousands of kilograms of narcotics confiscated, hundreds of drug barons prosecuted, and rehabilitation programs expanded to offer alternatives to incarceration for low-level offenders. His "offensive action" strategy, which combines enforcement with education and community engagement, has been praised by stakeholders, though critics argue for even greater investment in treatment facilities and economic empowerment to address root causes.
President Tinubu's decision to retain Marwa aligns with his broader agenda of institutional stability and merit-based leadership. Since assuming office, Tinubu has emphasized reforms in security sectors, recognizing that drug trafficking funds terrorism, banditry, and other organized crimes plaguing regions like the North-East and North-West. By extending Marwa's term to 2031, the administration is committing to long-term vision, allowing for the implementation of multi-year plans without the disruptions of frequent leadership changes. This move also sends a message to drug syndicates: the government's resolve is unwavering.
Marwa's background as a former military governor adds another layer to his effectiveness. He governed Lagos State during a transformative period in the 1990s, overseeing infrastructure development and urban management in what is now Nigeria's economic powerhouse. Similarly, his stint in Borno State exposed him to the complexities of governance in conflict-prone areas, where drug abuse often intersects with insurgency. These experiences have informed his holistic approach at the NDLEA, where he views anti-drug efforts not in isolation but as part of national security and development.
Looking ahead, the next five years under Marwa promise intensified operations. Expectations include bolstered partnerships with international bodies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), leveraging his diplomatic history. Domestically, there will likely be a push for legislative reforms to impose stiffer penalties on traffickers while decriminalizing personal use to focus resources on rehabilitation. Public campaigns targeting schools, religious institutions, and social media will aim to deter experimentation among the youth, who President Tinubu specifically mentioned as vulnerable.
In essence, this reappointment is more than an administrative renewal; it is a strategic reaffirmation of Nigeria's commitment to eradicating the drug menace. Brigadier-General Marwa, with his decorated military career, gubernatorial tenures, diplomatic acumen, and advanced education, embodies the blend of toughness and intellect required for the task. As he embarks on this extended mandate, the nation watches with anticipation, hopeful that his leadership will steer the NDLEA toward even greater victories in safeguarding future generations from the scourge of addiction and trafficking.
The implications extend beyond borders, as Nigeria's success could serve as a model for other African nations facing similar threats. With Marwa at the forefront until 2031, the fight against drugs gains a seasoned commander, backed by presidential trust and a clear directive to pursue the "merchants of hard drugs" relentlessly. This development reinforces the Tinubu administration's narrative of continuity in critical sectors, prioritizing expertise over political expediency in the quest for a drug-free society.
