At a colorful ceremony on Thursday, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, presented awards to three Deputy Commanders General of Narcotics, DCGNs, and four Assistant Commanders General of Narcotics, ACGNs, who topped the list of 3,248 newly promoted and regularized officers and men of the Agency.
In addition, Marwa recognized 148 other employees and 12 state commands with prizes and commendations for their exceptional work throughout the first half of 2023.
Marwa noted during the event that the exercise is proof that the Agency has successfully ingrained the culture of excellence.
According to him, “Without grandstanding, we can say that we have raised the bar. Our weekly drug supply reduction effort is a testament to our performance. The innovative approach we have taken to drug demand reduction is commendable. The intricate and effective intelligence we deploy to track drug barons and dismantle cartels is a testimony to the capability of the new NDLEA we have collectively forged. Our success rate at prosecution is a definitive statement that we are doing our job.
“Our fears have been allayed about what tomorrow holds for the NDLEA and its personnel. Even while we are still in a state of rapid evolution, there have been seismic changes, and we have evolved a better, more efficient, and sustainable system that guarantees viable work conditions, good staff welfare, and enhanced job performance. We have since been able to settle the problem of career progression by expanding the Agency’s structures. We are cooperating more with regional opposites and international partners. All these translate into ample opportunities for upward mobility for focused, hardworking officers.”
While stating that the past two and a half years had seen a lot of changes in the Agency, he said, “we have tried to reward hard work and professionalism by granting higher responsibilities to officers. Everyone to whom promotion is due has been considered. We are also expanding training opportunities. In the last 18 months, we have conducted over 150 trainings, involving more than 6,000 officers.”
He charged them not to rest on their oars.
“We have adopted global best practices, and we have no doubt that the NDLEA of our dream is here before us. I am therefore charging you to take more pride in your work. Society today appreciates our efforts. Just last week, on World Drug Day, the President and Commander in Chief gave assurances of his administration’s unwavering support for NDLEA. Our international partners and foreign governments are watching us and are giving us the needed push. And among drug law enforcement agencies, we are rated highly. Our name is out there for good. Therefore, the onus is on us not to slacken but to continue the good work.
“It is not yet time to rest on our oars. We have no option but to sustain the momentum of our upward trajectory, build on our performance, and continue to protect our hard-earned reputation. It is on this note that I demand more from us in terms of hard work, discipline, valour, professionalism, commitment, and all the time-honoured virtues that enshroud labour with dignity.”
DCGN Joyce Titus-Awogbuyi spoke on behalf of the promoted and honored officers, thanking Marwa for her inspirational leadership of the Agency and empowering the staff to break down boundaries and succeed in their areas of responsibility.
She claimed that the elevation and accolades will motivate her and others to make greater contributions to attaining the organization’s goal of freeing Nigeria from substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
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