The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has officially relocated its headquarters to a newly completed facility in the Jahi area of Abuja.
The new facility marks the first phase of the agency’s national headquarters project, which is expected to be fully completed with the 2025 budgetary provisions.
The relocation was celebrated with a brief interdenominational service held within the complex on Wednesday, where the facility was officially unveiled.
Speaking at the ceremony, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), described the relocation as a significant milestone in the agency’s transformation. He noted that the move is part of a broader effort to recalibrate the NDLEA into a modern, result-driven anti-narcotic agency, a process that began in January 2021.
“I am pleased that we have finally moved into this new facility after overcoming initial budgetary constraints,” Marwa said. “Although this is just the first phase of the headquarters project, we are hopeful that the next phase will be completed with the 2025 budget. While not fully finished, this facility is sufficiently functional for us to occupy. I was determined to make this move before the end of 2024, as our previous location could no longer accommodate the growing agency. We had to relocate scores of officers due to space limitations.”
He added, “Given the urgency of the move, the management decided to proceed with a low-key inauguration ceremony, allowing us to consolidate various directorates currently operating outside Abuja into one facility. This will enhance our efficiency, effectiveness, and coordination.”
While the new headquarters in Jahi will serve as the agency’s main office, the old headquarters in Gimbiya, Garki, will continue to function as an annex. Marwa expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support, which has enabled the NDLEA to strengthen its efforts in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
“The support we receive from our international partners, local stakeholders, and particularly from President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and the Nigerian people, is not just a recognition of our past efforts, but a motivation for us to do even more. I believe this new work environment will inspire our staff to surpass our previous achievements,” Marwa said.
He also acknowledged his predecessor for initiating the process of securing a new headquarters for the agency.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the Agency, Shadrach Haruna, praised Marwa’s leadership, which he said has transformed the NDLEA into a world-class agency known for its professionalism, capacity, and capability.
“The commissioning of our new headquarters is a key part of the strategic plan to reposition the NDLEA,” Haruna said. “Since 2021, we’ve seen monumental progress, including increasing our staff strength from 5,000 to 15,000, promoting officers, opening new vacancies, clearing backlogs of allowances for staff and the families of fallen officers, and securing amendments to the agency’s enabling law.”
The event also featured Christian and Islamic prayers for President Tinubu and for the continued success of Nigeria. A commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the occasion.
