List Of NDLEA Chairmen In Nigeria (1990-Present)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is a federal agency in Nigeria, established in 1989 to fight drug-related crimes. Its main responsibilities include stopping the cultivation, manufacturing, selling, and trafficking of illegal drugs.
The NDLEA operates at airports, seaports, and borders to prevent drug smuggling. It also targets drug traffickers and works to reduce drug abuse in the country.
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List Of NDLEA Chairmans In Nigeria From 1990 till date
| Name | Position | Term |
|---|---|---|
| DIG. Fidelis Oyakhilome, mni | Chairman/Chief Executive Officer | Jan 12, 1990 - March 10, 1991 |
| CP Fulani Kwajafa (Retd) | Chairman/Chief Executive Officer | March 10, 1991 - October 25, 1993 |
| AIG Ba’ppa Jama’re, mni | Chairman/Chief Executive Officer | October 25, 1993 - February 13, 1994 |
| Maj. Gen. Musa Bamaiyi, mni | Chairman/Chief Executive Officer | April 26, 1994 - December 23, 1998 |
| AIG. Ogbonnaya Onovo | Chairman/Chief Executive Officer | December 23, 1998 - May 3, 2000 |
| AIG. Iliya Lokadang, mni | Chairman/Chief Executive Officer | May 3, 2000 - September 4, 2000 |
| Bello Yusuf Lafiaji, OON, OFR | Chairman/Chief Executive Officer | October 10, 2000 - November 24, 2005 |
| CP Ahmed Giade (Retd) | Chairman/Chief Executive Officer | November 24, 2005 - November 22, 2015 |
| Col. Muhammed M. Abdallah (Retd) | Chairman/Chief Executive Officer | January 11, 2016 - January 15, 2021 |
| Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), CON, OFR | Chairman/Chief Executive Officer | January 15, 2021 - Present |
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Who Was The First Chairman Of NDLEA In Nigeria?
The first Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria was DIG Fidelis Oyakhilome. He served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from January 12, 1990, to March 10, 1991.
Before his appointment to the NDLEA, Oyakhilome was a Deputy Inspector General of Police. Oyakhilome played a major part in setting up the agency in its early days.
He organized public seminars and programs to raise awareness about drug issues in the country and explain the NDLEA’s mission. Unfortunately, Oyakhilome’s time as Chairman ended with controversy.
In March 1991, he was dismissed from his position due to allegations of misconduct. It was said that he was involved with individuals linked to drug-related activities.
Who Was The First Female Chairman Of NDLEA In Nigeria?
Roli Bode-George made history in November 2015 when she became the first female acting Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria. She took on the role after Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, who had served as the agency’s Chairman for 10 years, retired.
Bode-George’s appointment was a major milestone for the NDLEA, which had always been led by men like Fidelis Oyakhilome, Fulani Kwajafa, Ba’ppa Jama’re, Musa Bamaiyi, Ogbonnaya Onovo, Iliya Lokadang, Bello Lafiaji, and Giade.
As the wife of Bode George, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), she had already made a name for herself with her dedication to service.
In her speech after accepting the role, Bode-George promised that the NDLEA would continue to use modern methods and work with other organizations to tackle drug problems in the country.
She also focused on the welfare of NDLEA officers, making it a priority to ensure they had the support they needed. Her appointment was expected to bring new energy and fresh ideas to the NDLEA’s mission to fight drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
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Who Is The Chairman Of NDLEA In Nigeria?
The current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria is Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd).
He was appointed to this position in January 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari. Since taking over, Marwa has introduced several changes to make the NDLEA more effective in fighting drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
Some of his key achievements include promoting 5,042 NDLEA staff members and recognizing 15 commands for their excellent work in the first part of 2024.
He also promoted two senior officers to the rank of Deputy Commander General of Narcotics (DCGN), 22 officers to Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN), and 66 officers to Commander of Narcotics (CN).
Under his leadership, the construction of new NDLEA barracks in Adamawa, Abuja, and Lagos is nearing completion. Marwa has expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
He has also highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of substance abuse and has worked with different stakeholders to raise awareness and reduce drug demand.
