News
Marwa seeks more NASS support, defends N67.5B 2025 NDLEA budget
Chairman/Chief Executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has appealed to the National Assembly for their continued support to enhance the capacity and capability of the agency to deliver on its mandate.
He expressed appreciation to the parliament especially the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Marwa made the appeal on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th January when he led his management team to defend the 2025 budget proposal of the Agency before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics respectively.
He equally thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA.
“I wish to first appreciate the honorable chairman, the deputy chairman, and distinguished members of this esteemed committee for your invaluable and consistent support throughout the 2024 fiscal year. This committee, under its able and dynamic chairman, has demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment towards the war against drug abuse. In particular, your effort towards the amendment of the NDLE Act is also highly appreciated.
“And I respectfully ask your good offices to continue to assist in our area of critical needs during the appropriation process. Our commands across the federation are contending with significant challenges, particularly lack of accommodation.
“I cannot overstate this matter because it all comes to my desk when you get these reports of attacks on our officers and so on and so forth, killing personnel and their families. So, we know that we trust that this esteemed committee will do its best. And we know that there are compelling demands from other MDAs, but the barracks project is critical to the operational efficiency and success of NDLEA.
“I must not forget to seize this opportunity to also appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his continuing support and encouragement to the agency. I also wish to reaffirm the agency’s unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with the National Assembly, in particular this esteemed committee, to advance our shared vision of a drug-free Nigeria.
“With your support, we are confident in our ability to enhance our operations and fulfill our mandate of safeguarding the security of our nation”, Marwa stated in his remarks while pleading for budgetary provision for the ongoing barracks accommodation for the personnel of the agency to enhance their security, dedication and performance.”
In the budget proposal for 2025 fiscal year, the agency was allocated Sixty-Seven Billion Five Hundred and Twelve Million Five Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand Sixty-Three Naira Eighty Kobo (N67, 512, 564, 063.80), with recurrent personnel cost taking N47, 159,240, 496.80; recurrent overhead N3, 384,332, 017.00 and capital expenditure N16, 968, 991, 550.00.
He explained that the recurrent personnel cost reflects the nominal roll of the agency’s staff strength totaling over 14,038 officers, men and women, while the recurrent overhead cost covers the operational expenses of intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations and prosecutions.
The NDLEA boss called for the enhancement of the N16 billion provided for capital expenditure, which has zero allocation for the ongoing barracks project component to enable the agency continue with the provision of secure accommodation for its workforce across the country.
Marwa said: “The agency faces growing challenges, including sophisticated drug cartels, drug abuse and inadequate critical infrastructure. To address these issues, NDLEA has embarked on reforms, including constructing barracks to accommodate its personnel, improve operational integrity and ensure security.
“Currently, many commands operate from rented facilities, which are inadequate for effective administration. Proper accommodation will enhance staff morale, ensure security, and strengthen the agency’s capacity to execute its mandate”
In his remarks, House Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon Abass Adigun assured of their commitment to adequate funding to enhance NDLEA’s operational successes.
“This committee recognizes the critical role the NDLEA plays in safeguarding our communities from the scourge of narcotics and illicit substances. As we engage in today’s deliberations, we remain committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently, with a focus on measurable outcomes, transparency, and accountability. I urge all participants to contribute thoughtfully as we work together to ensure the NDLEA is well-resourced to fulfill its vital mandate in the new year”, the lawmaker stated.
Speaking in the same vein on Tuesday 14th January 2025, Senate Committee chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo congratulated the agency for its outstanding performance in 2024.
“We’re all witnesses to the good work you are doing and we are proud of your performance”, the committee chairman stated, assuring of more support to enable the agency function effectively in the new year.”
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the process of vaccinating its intending pilgrims against polio, meningitis and yellow fever ahead of the 2025 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The vaccination which started on Wednesday, April 16 (day one) at the Shamsi Adisa Thomas (SAT) Mosque Hall, GRA, Ikeja, has intending pilgrims from Agege, Amuwo Odofin, Badagry and Mushin Local Government Areas being attended to.
According to the roster of the exercise, intending pilgrims from other local government areas would be attended to as scheduled. On day two (Thursday, April 17) intending pilgrims from Ajeromi Ifelodun, Eti-Osa, Kosofe and Oshodi Isolo would be vaccinated while Alimosho, Epe, Ifako Ijaiye and Lagos Mainland would have theirs on Tuesday, April 22.
Apapa, Surulere, Ikeja and Lagos Island would be attended to on day four, Wednesday, April 23 while on day five, Thursday April 24, Shomolu, Ojo, Ikorodu and JAIZ Bank, NIA and Royal intending pilgrims would be vaccinated. The last day, Monday April 28, it would be the turn of government officials and outstanding/left over pilgrims.
The Board Secretary, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin said that the vaccination exercise was in fulfillment of the requirements for international travels. He therefore urged the intending pilgrims to make themselves available on the date appointed for their respective local governments.
He added that officials of the Port Health Service (Federal Ministry of Health) would provide them with the yellow card after the vaccination.
Meanwhile, the State Government has constituted a 13-man central working committee to oversee and ensure the success of the 2025 Holy pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to a statement signed by the Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal, the Board Secretary said that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe has been appointed as the Chairman of the committee. He also added that 21 Schedule Officers (Coordinators) have been appointed for the Local Government Areas of the state.
He emphasized that while the committee would be responsible for the Hajj operation both in Nigeria and the Holy Land, by ensuring that everything necessary is put in place for the pilgrims to perform the Hajj rites both in Makkah and Madinah seamlessly,
the coordinators would work closely with the committee to ensure that the needs of the pilgrims are met and their journey made as comfortable as possible.
Ajomagberin who was recently appointed as the Board Secretary, explained that each member of committee would chair the sub-committees constituted for the success of the pilgrimage exercise.
According to him the sub-committees and their chairmanship includes, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar (Muna, Madinah and Arafah); Prof. Kabir Paramole (Dawah & Sensitization); Dr. (Mrs.) Faosat Dabiri (Medical); Alh. Yusuf Ara (Bags and Luggages); Alh. Mojeed Sanni (Transportation); Hon. Waheed Lolade Shonibare (Airlifting and Manifest) and Hon. Mayegun Musiliudeen (Accommodation).
Others are; Alh. Agoro Ibrahim (Security); Issa Akeredolu (Media and Publicity); Imam Nurain AbdulAzeez (Tribunal); Alhaja Oluwakemi Okunola and Alhaja Idayat Elegbede (Special duties) and Board Secretary (Passport and Visa).
He listed the appointed Local Government Coordinators as Anileleye Maimuna (Kosofe); Ige Kolawole (Agege); Adele-Sanyaolu Mariam (Amuwo-Odofin); Saidat Alogba- Kalejaye (Ikorodu); Musa Lawal (Eti-Osa); Ajarat Sanusi-Alaka (Alimosho); Khadijat Oluwa-Adegbola (Surulere); Fatimah Jaji (JAIZ Bank, NIA and Royal); Ahmed Rukayat (Lagos Mainland); Muhammed Abiola (Ikeja); Hassan Ismaila (Ojo) and Suraj Akinyemi (Apapa).
Others are Lawal Abdullahi (Epe); Abubakar Aliyu (Oshodi Isolo); Abubakar Lawal (Lagos Island); Bisiriyu Lookman (Ajeromi Ifelodun); AbdulSalam Silifat ((Mushin); Gafar Mujib (Badagry); Taiwo Anibaba (Shomolu); Bello Rashidat (Ifako Ijaye) while Murtador Saudat will coordinate the Government officials.
Ajomagberin said that the committees and LGA coordinators are expected to work collectively as a team with other stakeholders to address every aspect of the pilgrimage exercise with a view to ensuring a smooth, convenient and remarkable experience for the pilgrims.
Taofeek Lawal
Asst. Director
(Public Affairs)
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, and the CBN’s Director of Legal Services, Salam-Alada Kofo, have been sued for contempt of court at the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged refusal to comply fully with a Supreme Court judgment.
Melrose General Services, the applicant, filed a contempt suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/532/2025, against Cardoso, Kofo, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Minister of Finance, listed as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.
The applicant claims that the respondents have failed to release N220 million owed to them, despite the Supreme Court’s judgment reversing the earlier forfeiture of the funds.
Meanwhile, the suit stems from the controversial Paris Club Refund, which involved payments to consultants who rendered services to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
In June 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a previous forfeiture order affecting Melrose General Services Limited, directing the release of frozen funds, including N1.22bn held in Melrose’s bank account and N220m transferred to Wasp Networks and Thebe Wellness as loans and investments.
The court ruled that the EFCC had failed to prove the funds were proceeds of fraud, as alleged, and ordered the release of the full amounts to the rightful owners.
However, nearly a year after the Supreme Court’s decision, Melrose alleges that while the CBN has refunded N1.22bn, the N220m remains unpaid.
Through its counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), Melrose argues that the refusal to comply with the court’s directive constitutes contempt of court. The firm contends that the partial compliance undermines the authority of the Supreme Court.
In its defence, the CBN’s legal team, led by Abdulfatai Oyedele, claims the Supreme Court directed payment of the N220m to the original accounts of Wasp Network Limited and Thebe Wellness Services, not to Melrose.
Oyedele further argued that Wasp Network has requested N200m, while Thebe Wellness has yet to claim N20m.
The EFCC, represented by M.A. Babatunde, filed a motion for misjoinder, asserting it should not be a party to the case.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja will resume hearing the matter on June 4, 2025, to determine whether the CBN and its officials have wilfully disobeyed the Supreme Court or if their actions align with the judgment’s interpretation.
The United States Consulate General in Lagos is supporting a year-long journalism capacity-building programme for young Nigerian reporters, in partnership with the Media Career Development Network.
The initiative, tagged the Bi-Monthly Journalism Clinic, is designed for journalists with fewer than five years of reporting experience.
It aims to equip early-career reporters with critical skills in data-driven investigative journalism, digital tools, and ethical reporting practices.
According to a statement from the organisers on Friday, the training will feature intensive workshops in Lagos, covering key topics such as transparency and accountability in governance, financial journalism, public health reporting, and the ethical use of anonymous sources.
The programme will also explore how journalists can leverage social media for impactful storytelling and gain access to public data.
Speaking on the initiative, US Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Julie McKay, said the training reflects the US government’s commitment to strengthening media capacity in Nigeria.
“Press freedom and a professional, responsive, and independent media are critical parts of any democracy.
“By providing timely and accurate information, journalists give citizens a voice allowing them to engage in important dialogue and hold leaders accountable,” McKay stated.
Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin, said about 150 journalists are expected to benefit from the training.
“Participants will gain advanced reporting skills that enhance their ability to inform, educate, and hold leaders accountable,” Otufodunrin said.
The programme also includes mentorship opportunities with senior journalists and subject matter experts.
Applications can be submitted via https://bit.ly/4lB6Tpx.
Selected applicants will be notified ahead of each bi-monthly session.
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