Group Advocates Special Five-Year Extension for NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa

By Our Reporter

A group has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant a “special presidential extension” of five years to Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), OFR, CON, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in recognition of his exceptional performance and remarkable leadership in the agency’s anti-drug campaign.

The group, Public Monitors, led by Media Consultant Malam Abubakar Yusuf, urged President Tinubu to extend Marwa’s tenure purely on merit, noting that his continued leadership would consolidate the significant progress already achieved in the war against illicit drugs in Nigeria.

According to the group, since the establishment of the NDLEA, no chairman—starting from the pioneer leader, Fulani Kwajafa—has demonstrated the same level of commitment and effectiveness in combating drug traffickers and addicts as Brig. Gen. Marwa.

They commended Marwa’s success in crippling drug cartels, arresting offenders, and ensuring prosecutions both locally and internationally. The group warned that failure to extend his tenure would amount to a setback for the country and could undo the gains recorded under his leadership.

The statement noted that under Marwa, the NDLEA has been reformed and repositioned, restoring the agency’s integrity and strengthening Nigeria’s image globally. “Brigadier General Marwa has stabilized the NDLEA, eliminated internal collusion, and taken decisive action against drug merchants who once operated freely across the country,” the statement said.

Highlighting his boldness and impartiality, the group cited Marwa’s unprecedented arrest of a serving Commissioner of Police alleged to have collaborated with drug barons, describing it as proof of his uncompromising approach to justice and accountability.

They further emphasized that Marwa, a former Military Administrator of Lagos State known for his transformative leadership, has replicated similar excellence in the NDLEA through hard work, discipline, and integrity.

“Marwa’s record goes beyond performance—it represents a complete transformation of the agency. He has improved staff welfare, ensured regular payment of salaries and allowances, cleared arrears, and introduced new incentives to motivate personnel,” the group added.

The statement also lauded his focus on capacity building, with the establishment of new training centers and the modernization of existing facilities to enhance officers’ operational efficiency.

The group concluded by appealing to President Tinubu to consider Marwa’s impressive achievements, commitment, and the positive image he has brought to the NDLEA and Nigeria, urging that his tenure be extended to sustain the agency’s current momentum.