NDLEA Relocates to New Headquarters Building in Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially relocated its headquarters to a new facility in Abuja, as announced by the agency.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that the new headquarters, located in the Jahi District of Abuja, is being developed in phases. The first phase of the project was unveiled during an interdenominational service at the new complex on Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), chairman and chief executive officer of the NDLEA, spoke during the ceremony, highlighting the move as part of the agency’s ongoing transformation into a modern, efficient, and result-driven anti-narcotics force. Marwa noted that this shift represents a significant milestone in the agency’s evolution, a process that began in January 2021.
“I am glad we have finally moved in to occupy this facility after initial budgetary constraints. Although this is just the first phase of the headquarters project, we are hopeful that the full completion will be achieved with next year’s budget,” said Marwa. “This building is not yet 100% finished, but it is functional enough for us to move in because we needed space, especially with the expansion of the agency.”
Marwa further emphasized the lack of space at the old headquarters, which had led to the posting of numerous officers due to inadequate office facilities. The new headquarters will consolidate various directorates that were previously operating outside Abuja, aiming for greater efficiency and streamlined coordination.
Femi Babafemi explained that while the old head office on Gimbiya Street in Area 11, Garki, will continue to serve as an annex, the agency is optimistic that the new facility will enhance its operations. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support, noting that the backing from local and international partners, as well as the Nigerian public, would help the NDLEA achieve its mandate to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Shadrach Haruna, the NDLEA Secretary, commended Marwa’s leadership, which, in just three years, has transformed the agency into a global leader in drug law enforcement. Haruna highlighted some of the agency’s major achievements, including expanding the staff from 5,000 to 15,000, promoting officers, opening up new vacancies, paying accumulated allowances, and the recent amendment of the agency’s enabling law by the National Assembly.
The relocation to the new facility is seen as a step toward strengthening the NDLEA’s capacity to effectively address drug-related challenges in Nigeria.
