NDLEA Deserves More FG Support, Says NEGF as Commander Ahmad Commends Marwa’s Leadership
The Nigerian Economic Growth Forum (NEGF–Initiatives Concepts) has called on the Federal Government to increase funding, logistics and institutional support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), describing the agency’s fight against illicit drugs as critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.
The call was made during a strategic courtesy visit by a high-powered delegation of the Forum to the NDLEA Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Strategic Command in Ikeja, Lagos.
The delegation, led by NEGF Founder and Convener, Comrade Adisa Y. Olamilekan, was received by the Commander Narcotics, MMIA Strategic Command, CN Mohammed Tukur Ahmad, alongside members of his management team.
Speaking during the visit, Olamilekan said the engagement was driven by the Forum’s belief that economic development and national security are closely interconnected.
He noted that illicit drug trafficking and abuse have serious implications for Nigeria’s human capital, workforce productivity, youth development and overall economic growth.
“The Nigerian Economic Growth Forum believes that no economy can thrive in an environment where illicit drugs destroy human capital and where drug barons undermine legitimate businesses.
“That is why we are here – to identify with the NDLEA and explore areas of strategic partnership,” he said.
Olamilekan also commended the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), for what he described as efforts to reposition the agency and strengthen its operations.
He urged the Federal Government to provide greater support for the agency, while pledging NEGF’s commitment to advocacy, public enlightenment and stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening the NDLEA’s mandate.
Commander Ahmad described the visit as “timely and significant,” commending the NEGF delegation for identifying with the agency’s mission.
He said partnerships with credible organisations were essential to addressing the growing challenge of illicit drug trafficking and abuse.
Ahmad also commended the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Marwa, for providing what he described as strong leadership and support to commands across the country, including the MMIA Strategic Command.
“Under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Marwa, we have received the backing needed to go after the real barons, not just the mules.
“The support from the National Headquarters in terms of operations, logistics, staff welfare and intelligence has been critical to our successes,” Ahmad said.
The commander further acknowledged the role of inter-agency cooperation and technical assistance from donor organisations in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational drug syndicates.
Highlighting some of the developments under the current NDLEA administration, Ahmad cited regular promotion of officers as and when due, improved staff welfare, provision of operational vehicles, continuous training and retraining, as well as improvements in the recruitment process.
He stressed that drug trafficking and abuse have far-reaching economic consequences, including reduced productivity, increased crime and the loss of young people from the productive workforce.
He therefore welcomed NEGF’s interest in partnering with the agency, particularly in the areas of prevention, rehabilitation, economic empowerment and public advocacy.
At the end of the meeting, both organisations identified areas for possible collaboration.
NEGF pledged to use its network across the business community, media and civil society to support and amplify NDLEA’s advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns.
The Forum also expressed interest in programmes linking economic empowerment with drug prevention, particularly among youths and vulnerable communities.
The NDLEA MMIA Strategic Command, in turn, assured the Forum of access to relevant data and expertise that could support its economic policy briefs and position papers.
Olamilekan thanked Commander Ahmad and his officers for the reception and acknowledged the sacrifices being made by NDLEA personnel in protecting Nigeria’s gateway airport.
He reiterated NEGF’s commitment to working with the agency towards building a safer, healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.
The Forum used the occasion to reiterate its appeal to the Federal Government to increase funding, logistics and other forms of institutional support for the NDLEA.
According to NEGF, strengthening the agency will not only enhance the fight against drug trafficking and abuse but also contribute to protecting Nigeria’s human capital, workforce and long-term economic prospects.
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