Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa has said that drug abuse is an enabler of all forms of criminality as well as a hydra-headed monster that must be crushed if Nigeria must move forward as a nation.
Marwa was speaking early on Monday during a media briefing to unveil weeklong programme of activities in commemoration of the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking held at the Kano Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The CEO of NDLEA said that since he took over the leadership of the agency, the agency has set machinery in motion to reposition the NDLEA.
“I am glad to report to you today that after five months, we are making a definite headway in repositioning the NDLEA for efficiency and effectiveness.
“We have succeeded in boosting the morale and confidence of officers and men of the NDLEA through practical steps taken to address welfare and career stagnation issues. To this end, we instituted, among other measures, a bi-monthly assessment and cash-backed award for Best Performing Commands to motivate officers and men on the field. Recently, the agency promoted 3, 506 officers who have stagnated in the past years, some for upward of 10, 15 and even 20 years on one rank. One person actually stayed 21 years on one rank.
“Major administrative steps were taken to restore the visibility of the Agency for local and international partnerships. And in five months, we have made appreciable progress. So far, the image of the Agency has tremendously improved, so much so that today, people are now aware of the existence of the NDLEA unlike before.
According to him, fighting war against drug abuse and trafficking in a country like Nigeria is a big problem which the NDLEA cannot do alone.
“These results have given us big insights into the magnitude of the drug problem, the work ahead is enormous. NDLEA cannot win the drug war without the help of citizens. We need the cooperation of all and sundry. We all owe Nigeria the duty of ensuring that drug abuse and trafficking do not thrive in this country. For us all, it is an urgent assignment, because if we must end youth radicalization, violent extremism, cultism, banditry, wanton kidnapping, insurgency and the like, drug abuse and trafficking must be dealt a decisive blow. To win the drug war, NDLEA must synergize with other law enforcement and sister agencies and stakeholders for maximum impact. The simplest contribution that we ask of every patriotic citizen is what is captured by the theme of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking: “Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives.
“We must avail ourselves of every opportunity to drive the message home to Nigerians about the importance of having a drug-free country. At the same time, it is equally important to make our message unmistakably clear to those involved in the trafficking of illicit substances; the cartels, barons and traffickers, that it is time for them quit or face a tough consequence.”
Speaking on the programme planned for the week with the theme: “Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives”, Marwa said: “The week will be devoted to a range of activities designed to accentuate the new anti-drug order and to further ramp up the Agency’s advocacy to the citizenry. This afternoon, I will be launching the Standard Policy and Practice Guidelines, SPPG, for NDLEA counsellors.
“On Tuesday 22nd of June, I will be on NTA “Tuesday Live” at 10 pm.
Wednesday 23rd of June, tagged NGO Day, is set aside for all Non-Governmental Organisations working in the drug abuse prevention/advocacy spectrum to hold their various activities in celebration of UN anti-drug day 2021.
“On Thursday 24th of June, our line-up of activities starts with a programme on Radio Nigeria at 8 am. The day will also feature a youth awareness programme. It will involve our advocacy visitations to six institutions selected from each of the six local council areas of the FCT.
On Friday 25th of June, there will be a special Juma’at service in commemoration of the UN Day at the National Mosque, Abuja. The day’s activities will be capped with the movie premiere of ‘The Silent Baron’ at the Silverbird Cinema, Abuja at 4pm.
“Saturday, 26th of June will feature the grand finale, the formal launch of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) by the Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. The day will also feature a guest lecture and the unveiling of the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2021-2025.
“On Sunday, 27th of June, the week’s activities will be rounded off with church thanksgiving service.”
