NDLEA Promotes 5,042 Officers
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), has approved the promotion of 5,042 officers in a sweeping move aimed at bolstering the agency’s operational efficiency and morale. Among the promoted officers, two senior officers have been elevated to the rank of Deputy Commander General of Narcotics, 22 to Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, and 66 to Commander of Narcotics.
Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy, released a statement in Abuja on Wednesday confirming these promotions. The announcement comes after weeks of rigorous examinations and interviews designed to identify and reward the most qualified candidates. This effort is part of an ongoing initiative to enhance human resource management within the NDLEA, with a particular focus on staff motivation and welfare to ensure the agency’s goals are met efficiently and effectively.
At an event held to decorate some of the newly promoted officers with their new ranks and to reward 15 commands and 70 personnel for their outstanding performances in the first half of 2024, Brig. Gen. Marwa emphasized the importance of timely promotions. “Prompt and timely promotion of all deserving and qualified officers remains a top priority of my leadership,” he stated.
Reflecting on the agency’s progress, Marwa said, “I am pleased to say that we continue to grow stronger on this journey we embarked on three and a half years ago. Our goal was to turn around the fortunes of this agency by improving our performance as a precursor to reversing the perilous drug use situation in our dear country, Nigeria. On this occasion of the 8th edition of the commands’ awards and commendations ceremony,
We have every reason to be thankful. Our performance continuously justifies our conviction in Offensive Action, War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), and other reforms we have undertaken. For our modest efforts, we have received plaudits at home and abroad. This means we have to do more. The reward for work well done is more work, and in our case, we cannot rest on our oars until all the objectives of our mandate are fully achieved. The bottom line is a drug-free Nigeria.”
Marwa also highlighted the agency’s commitment to providing a conducive working environment. “We are ensuring that we provide everything necessary to make this work safe, secure, and conducive for everyone working in this Agency. Our new barracks in Adamawa, Abuja, and Lagos are almost complete and will be commissioned soon. The recent promotion of 5,042 officers speaks volumes about our dedication to prompt and timely promotion of officers.
It symbolizes our effort to break the jinx of stagnation, which was once an albatross for our personnel. To further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, we are creating five strategic commands in Lagos, FCT, MMIA, Apapa, and Tincan. Additionally, we will be deploying body cameras for our officers on strategic operations to ensure their safety and the integrity of such operations.”
Marwa also took the opportunity to address the officers directly, urging them to remain diligent and upright in their duties. “We have come a long way. In three and a half years, we have dismantled as many as 50 identifiable drug cartels, some of which were significant players in the cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine distribution networks both in the country and globally. We have seized large quantities of illicit drugs and have secured a record number of convictions of drug offenders.
We have achieved these milestones without compromising our integrity, and I expect us to continue on this path. Our core values of integrity, hard work, and transparency must be upheld at all times. We need to continue to justify the trust placed in us by society, our government, and our international partners. We have raised the standard, and it must not be lowered at any cost or by any means.”
Marwa made it clear that the agency would not tolerate any form of misconduct. “We will not take kindly to any news of infractions, indiscipline, or corruption from the field or any command. The least we demand from any officer of this proud agency is to be upright and committed to our goals. Management will continue to work on improving your welfare.
The strides of the past three years have put behind us the tribulations of the previous 30 years. We owe the agency our allegiance to maintain its integrity. We owe the public a duty not to betray the trust reposed in us. We owe our government, and our partners and stakeholders supporting us, a duty to get the job done.”
Marwa concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of the agency’s personnel. “We must not fail in giving the required sacrifice, patriotism, commitment, honesty, hard work, and all the virtues that go along with this important job and service to the nation and mankind. You have my assurances and those of the management of NDLEA that we shall not relent in the pursuit of creating the best work environment, welfare, and reward system for you.”
Following the ceremony, Marwa held a closed-door meeting with all commanders and directors, outlining the tasks ahead for their respective areas of responsibility. This comprehensive approach underscores the NDLEA’s dedication to maintaining high standards and ensuring the effective execution of its mandate in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
