The Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has pledged its full support to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria.
The commitment was made on Monday, June 15, 2026, when the newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Senator Ikpea said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the agency and learning from its leadership in addressing the country’s drug challenges.
The senator, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District, commended Marwa’s track record of public service, citing his achievements as Military Governor of the old Borno State, Military Administrator of Lagos State, and his current leadership of the NDLEA.
“I have heard so many positive things about you as a sincere, straightforward, passionate and committed person. Your achievements in public service and your current impact at the NDLEA are commendable,” Ikpea said.
He emphasized the need to rescue young Nigerians affected by drug abuse through rehabilitation programmes while preventing others from falling victim through sustained public awareness and sensitization campaigns.
“We are happy to work with you and support you in all of these because we know you’re already doing a great job. We will partner with you through legislative support and necessary laws to subdue the drug problem in our country,” the senator added.
Responding, Marwa thanked Senator Ikpea for the visit and assured him of the agency’s readiness to work closely with the Senate Committee to strengthen the national response to drug-related challenges.
He congratulated the senator on his appointment, describing it as a reflection of his reputation as a principled and upright leader.
Marwa noted that drug abuse and trafficking remain major social challenges globally and in Nigeria but stressed that the NDLEA has continued to record significant successes in tackling the menace.
He highlighted achievements including the dismantling of transnational drug cartels, the arrest of high-profile drug barons, and the seizure and forfeiture of assets linked to illicit drug operations.
The NDLEA chairman attributed these successes to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Judiciary.
“The drug problem is a major challenge that is at the root of some other social issues, not only in Nigeria but globally. However, we are doing our level best to curb the scourge and we’re getting impressive results,” Marwa stated.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining its drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction strategies nationwide, expressing confidence that the Senate Committee under Senator Ikpea’s leadership would further strengthen Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.
“We’re proud and delighted to have you as chairman of the Senate committee, and we pray that at the end it will be on record that you did your best in support of the drug war in Nigeria,” Marwa added.
