The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria has highly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reappointment of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term.
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has highly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reappointment of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In a statement released by the NDLEA Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Thursday, the Council affirmed the decision will significantly strengthen and consolidate the ongoing national effort against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The National President of the NCWS, Princess Edna Azura, conveyed the commendation during a courtesy visit to Marwa at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. She used the opportunity to call for an urgent and strategic collaboration between the women’s group and the NDLEA, proposing joint sensitization programmes in schools, markets, and communities, alongside the critical training of women leaders in drug use prevention, treatment, and care.
Princess Azura delivered a powerful endorsement of the NDLEA boss, stating:
“We want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this wonderful opportunity that he has given you extra five years. We are very, very grateful. This renewal is a clear national endorsement of your monumental contributions to national security, public health, women and youth protection. We are confident that your continued leadership will further fortify the nation’s fight against drug trafficking and promote sustainable peace and stability,” she noted.
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) further described Brig. Gen. Marwa’s leadership at the NDLEA as “transformative and inspiring.” The Council praised the tangible results achieved under his tenure:
“Over the years, you have demonstrated what strong ethical and visionary public service truly means. Under your leadership, the Agency has recorded unprecedented achievements from dismantling sophisticated drug trafficking networks to intercepting record level quantities of illicit substances, improving intelligence driven operations, expanding community based preventive education and strengthening rehabilitation pathways for victims of substance abuse. We are very grateful for that. These achievements are not just institutional milestones, they represent hope for millions of families, especially women and children, who often suffer the silent painful consequences of drug related crime, domestic challenges and societal instability,” she stated.
While seeking deeper strategic partnership with the NDLEA in the fight against the drug scourge, Princess Azura reiterated the effectiveness of women-led initiatives:
“At NCWS, we have also been actively mobilising women, mothers, teachers and community groups to participate in the fight against substance abuse. Our ongoing school outreach programmes, advocacy forums and community sensitisation campaigns across the states have proven that when women are fully engaged, prevention becomes more effective.”
The National President outlined specific, actionable areas where the NCWS is eager to explore strategic cooperation with the NDLEA. These include key initiatives such as:
°Training of the Council’s national officers and state leaders as community anti-drug ambassadors.
°Joint advocacy campaigns specifically targeting mothers and caregivers.
°Support for rehabilitation and reintegration programs, especially for women and youths affected by substance abuse.
In his response, Gen. Marwa expressed appreciation to the NCWS leaders for their visit and the positive remarks about his leadership and that of President Tinubu.
He emphasized the necessity of the alliance, stating that as the umbrella body for all women societies across the country, “it is imperative for NDLEA to partner with the NCWS.”
Marwa Declares Drug Menace “Nigeria’s Number One Problem”; Calls for NCWS Leadership in “Whole-of-Society Response”
Gen. Marwa articulated the severe threat posed by substance abuse, describing the drug menace as Nigeria’s “number one problem” today, affecting every citizen and community either directly or indirectly. Given the estimated population of 15 million drug users, he stressed the urgent need for a “whole-of-society response.”
He issued a powerful call to action directed specifically at the women’s organization:
“So, this is a big challenge and government cannot handle it alone, we have to have the whole of society to work with us. So NCWS, we don’t have any bigger partners than you because you are the mothers handling families all over the country, and it is very, very critical that you stand up. You have to stand up and be part of this struggle to redeem the souls of our young boys and girls, including the women who are afflicted,” he stated.
The agency pledges Training Support; Urges NCWS to Champion Drug Integrity Tests
The NDLEA boss assured the women leaders that the Agency will not only partner with them but will organize specialized Drug Use Prevention, Treatment and Care (DPTC) training to fully equip them for the task ahead in 2026.
“We will hold a DPTC training for you, we usually to do that for governors’ spouses and I think we will tailor it to exactly what you will need, so that you can also take it down to the states, and down to the grassroots.”
Championing a Healthier Future: Marwa urged the NCWS to champion the Agency’s push for drug integrity tests for intending couples, a critical step in discouraging abuse and ensuring early detection among the youth.
