2025 Budget Defence: ‘We Remain Committed To Efficient Allocation Of Public Funds’ – Agboworin-led Committee Tells NDLEA

The House of Representatives’ Committee on Narcotic Drugs, on Monday, reiterated its commitment towards ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently.

The Chairman of the Committee and the member representing Ibadan North East/South East, Rep. Abass Adigun (Agboworin) stated this when the Executive Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd) appeared before it for the agency’s 2024 budget review and defence of the 2025 budget proposal.

During the session, Agboworin recognized the critical role the NDLEA has played in safeguarding Nigerian communities from the scourge of narcotics and illicit substances.

“This committee recognizes the critical role the NDLEA plays in safeguarding our communities from the scourge of narcotics and illicit substances.

“As we engage in today’s deliberations, we remain committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently, with a focus on measurable outcomes, transparency, and accountability.

“I urge all participants to contribute thoughtfully as we work together to ensure the NDLEA is well-resourced to fulfill its vital mandate in the new year”, the lawmaker stated.

In the budget proposal for 2025 fiscal year, the agency was allocated Sixty-Seven Billion Five Hundred and Twelve Million Five Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand Sixty-Three Naira Eighty Kobo (N67, 512, 564, 063.80), with recurrent personnel cost taking N47, 159,240, 496.80; recurrent overhead N3, 384,332, 017.00 and capital expenditure N16, 968, 991, 550.00.

Agboworin further noted that the figure represents a significant increase of over N17 billion from the previous year, reflecting the growing demands on the agency’s operations.

He added that the increase, which included
N47 billion for personnel costs, would expand and strengthen the workforce of the Agency to meet the rising challenges in drug law enforcement.

He therefore assured that the Committee would continue to work together with the NDLEA to ensure the agency is well-resourced to fulfill its vital mandate.

Responding, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), expressed appreciation to the Agboworin-led committee for its commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He appealed for the committee’s continued support to enhance the capacity and capability of the Agency to deliver on its mandate.

The NDLEA boss equally called for the enhancement of the N16 billion provided for capital expenditure, which has zero allocation for the ongoing barracks project component to enable the agency continue with the provision of secure accommodation for its workforce across the country.