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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has relocated its headquarters to its new facility in the Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

According to reports, the facility, which is the first phase of the NDLEA National Headquarters project is expected to be completed with the 2025 budgetary provisions. However, the project was officially unveiled during an interdenominational service within the complex on Wednesday, November 27.

Speaking during the brief ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), expressed happiness at the development. He said the development represents a phase in the transformation and recalibration of NDLEA into a modern and result-oriented anti-narcotic agency. The Chairman noted that the process of erecting the National Headquarters of the Agency began in January 2021.

He said, “I’m glad we have finally moved in to occupy this facility after initial budgetary constraints. Even though this is the first phase of the new headquarters project, we are hopeful that we will be able to complete the process with next year budget.

“This is not 100% completed, but it is sufficiently functional for us to move in. Because I was determined to move in before the end of 2024. With the expansion of the Agency, the headquarters also expanded. And in our old location we could not accommodate everyone. I have had to post out scores of officers due to lack of space for them to work.

“It was for this reason that the management took unanimous decision. That since it is not 100% ready and we need it, we should make it a low-key inauguration ceremony. This will enable us to relocate some of our directorates still operating outside Abuja into one facility. To consolidate our operations for efficiency, effectiveness and seamless coordination”, Marwa stated.

The Chairman also stated that the old head office in Gimbiya, Garki Area of the FCT will continue to serve as the headquarters annex.

Marwa, therefore, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and encouragement to the Agency. He noted that this has encouraged the agency to be in a position to achieve its mandate of curbing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

“The support we are getting from our international partners and local stakeholders especially President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Judiciary and the citizenry, is not just to appreciate our efforts but to encourage us to do more. And I believe this new work environment will motivate you to surpass past feats,” Marwa said.

The Chairman also commended his predecessor for starting the process of getting a befitting headquarters for the Agency.

In his welcome remark, Secretary to the Agency, Shadrach Haruna, commended Marwa for providing inspiring leadership. He noted that the Chairman has in the last three years transformed NDLEA into the same class with its counterparts across the world. In terms of professionalism, capability and capacity.

He said, “The commissioning of our headquarters today is part of the incremental but well-laid agenda for the repositioning of the Agency by the Chairman. We have witnessed some monumental achievements since 2021. Including increasing the staff strength of the Agency from 5,000 to 15,000. Promotion of officers, opening up of vacancies, payment of accumulated allowances to staff and widows of our fallen officers. And the recent amendment of the Agency’s enabling law by the National Assembly, and many more.

The Agency used the occasion to offer Christian and Islamic prayers for President Tinubu and Nigeria. A commemorative plaque was also unveiled to mark the event.

 

source: Channels TV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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