By Simeon OSAJIE
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics Senator Joseph Ikpea has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) would continue to provide the necessary legislative backing to strengthen the agency’s capacity, improve operational effectiveness, and enhance its ability to discharge its mandate efficiently.
Senator Ikpea made the commitment on Monday June 15, 2026, when he paid a familiarisation visit to the Abuja headquarters of the NDLEA where he was received by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), alongside his management team.
Briefing General Marwa on the purpose of his visit, the senator paid glowing tribute to General Marwa’s leadership, acknowledging the remarkable transformation that had taken place within the agency in recent years. He also praised the NDLEA’s renewed vigour in pursuing drug traffickers, expanding public awareness campaigns, and intensifying efforts to reduce drug demand across the country.
Senator Ikpea was particularly pleased with the NDLEA’s public destruction of confiscated drugs which he noted sends “a strong message to criminal syndicates and drug traffickers that Nigeria remains resolute in its determination to combat illicit drug activities,” adding that the actions “not only prevent the substances from returning to society but also reinforce public confidence in the agency’s transparency, professionalism, and effectiveness.”
Appreciating the dedication, sacrifices, and patriotism displayed daily by NDLEA officers and personnel across the country, Ikpea commended their relentless efforts in “intercepting illicit drugs, dismantling trafficking networks, reducing drug demand, and creating awareness of the dangers associated with substance abuse.”
He particularly commended the agency for the recent destruction of large quantities of seized illicit drugs in Benin City, Edo State, describing the exercise as “a bold demonstration of the NDLEA’s unwavering commitment to ridding Nigerian communities of dangerous narcotic substances.”
Senator Ikpea said the successful operation in Benin City further underscored the remarkable achievements being recorded under the leadership of General Marwa which he said deserved the support and commendation of all well-meaning Nigerians.
He praised the agency’s renewed vigour in pursuing drug traffickers, expanding public awareness campaigns, and intensifying efforts to reduce drug demand across the country.
Noting that drug abuse remained one of the most serious threats facing modern societies, particularly among young people who represent the future of the nation, the senator posited that the consequences of drug abuse extend beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, public health, economic productivity, and national security.
Senator Ikpea insisted that the war against drugs cannot be won by the NDLEA alone, stressing that it is rather “a collective national responsibility that demands sustained commitment, strategic collaboration, and continuous support from all stakeholders.”
He therefore pledged his readiness to support policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening drug prevention programmes, rehabilitation efforts, intelligence gathering, public enlightenment campaigns, and law enforcement operations.
Responding, General Marwa expressed appreciation to Senator Ikpea for what he described as an historic visit, stating that it was a clear demonstration of the Senate Committee’s willingness to work closely with the agency in the collective pursuit of a drug-free Nigeria.
The NDLEA boss, who highlighted some of the agency’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and operational challenges, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians from the harmful effects of illicit drugs and ensuring that individuals battling addiction were provided with the support, treatment, and rehabilitation needed to reintegrate successfully into society.
Observers have described the familiarisation visit as both timely and strategic, particularly at a period when concerns over substance abuse among young Nigerians continue to attract widespread national attention.
Many believe that a stronger working relationship between the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics and the NDLEA will significantly enhance Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts and contribute meaningfully to building a safer, healthier, and more productive society.