The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has had several leaders in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
Every chairman implemented a different strategy for the fight against drugs, which affected how the agency transformed over the years.
Some DG’s concentrated on enhancing operational efficacy, ensuring NDLEA personnel were well-equipped and trained to combat drug couriers. At the same time, some tilted more toward policy reform, advocacies, and global partnerships.
READ ALSO: The Meaning of NDLEA and Its Key Functions in Combating Drug Trafficking and Abuse
All NDLEA DG’s From 1990- Present
| No. | Director-General | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fidelis Oyakhilome | 1990 – 1992 |
| 2 | Fulani Kwajafa | 1993 – 1994 |
| 3 | Major-General Musa Bamaiyi | 1994 – 1998 |
| 4 | Ogbonna Onovo | 1998 – 2000 |
| 5 | Alhaji Bello Lafiaji | 2000 – 2005 |
| 6 | Ahmadu Giade | 2005 – 2015 |
| 7 | Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah | 2016 – January 2021 |
| 8 | Buba Marwa | January 2021 – Present |
The First Chairman of NDLEA: Fidelis Oyakhilome (1990 – 1992)
Between 1990 and 1992, Oyakhilome chaired the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). His primary focus was establishing the operational foundations of the agency’s core mandate, which was to curb drug trafficking in Nigeria.
However, his tenure was abruptly cut short in 1992 amidst a controversial turn of events. Even though his time was short, it was an important episode in establishing the agency’s vision of fighting drug trafficking and drug abuse in Nigeria.
Oyakhilome also made great input during his reign, which influenced the agency’s future workings after some controversies marked the expiration of his leadership.
Oyakhilome puts more emphasis on the operationalization of NDLEA. He did this by establishing operational arms of the agency, whose core mandate was intelligence operations, drug interdiction, and prosecution of drug offenders.
These arms of the agency helped drive enforcement by enabling the agency to carry out investigations and arrests of drug trafficking cases and assist in the dismantling of drug distribution operations within Nigeria.
READ ALSO: The Establishment of NDLEA: An Important Step in Nigeria’s Fight Against Hard Drugs
The Present Chairman of NDLEA: Buba Marwa (January 2021 – Present)
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), who became the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), brought about a new chapter of the underground drug menace as the illegal consumption of drugs was on the rise. With his characteristic speed and energy, Marwa went to the task at hand.
The many firsts he is associated with include being the first DG to embrace an approach that involves dealing with drugs and drug abuse as a problem to be managed and minimized as opposed to the traditional ‘just-say-no stance’ of the past Chief Executives.
After 17 months, he headed the agency that arrested over 18,000 drug offenders including 10 drug barons orchestrating drug trafficking rings within the country.
In his first year, more than 2,369 people were found guilty and sentenced, and over 11,000 drug dependents were treated.
For this, the chairman in question has won numerous accolades for his overall achievements at NDLEA, Of course, one of the ways Marwa has chosen is collaborating with the Nigerian film industry in the campaign against drugs.
As a retired General and former military governor, Marwa has implemented a transformative approach to drug law enforcement. His leadership has seen a significant rise in drug-related arrests and seizures, as well as comprehensive reforms aimed at improving NDLEA’s operational efficiency.
Marwa’s focus on modernization, international cooperation, and community-based drug prevention strategies has strengthened the agency’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse. His tenure is marked by the agency’s growing effectiveness in tackling drug cartels and abuse nationwide.
