The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) inaugurated its first personnel barracks on Tuesday in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State.
This comes 35 years after the NDLEA was established by a military junta led by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who inaugurated the barracks along the Yola-Numan Road, urged officers to view the investment in their welfare as a call to higher responsibility.
Fagbemi emphasised that the first barracks would provide both office and residential accommodations for officers, including men and women of the anti-narcotics agency, urging them to dedicate themselves to their duties.
He further highlighted that the facility, which encompasses modern administrative offices, detention centres, secure storage, and residential accommodations, is more than just a physical structure.
According to him, it represents a crucial investment in human capital and serves as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to creating an environment where NDLEA officers and their families can live and thrive with dignity and security.
He said, “The role of NDLEA in our society cannot be overstated. The fight against drug abuse is a fight for our nation’s future. It is a battle to protect our youth from the devastating effects of substance abuse and to rid our communities of the violence and destruction that often accompany the illegal drug trade. “This barracks, therefore, is more than a place of residence; it is a fortress of resilience and a beacon of hope for our nation’s future.
“I would like to re-assure of my continued commitment to supporting the work that you do. This is based on my personal conviction of the intersection between justice and law enforcement.
“This facility is a critical component of the rule of law—ensuring that those who are tasked with upholding our laws are protected, empowered, and equipped to carry out their duties. It reinforces the principle that justice begins with those who enforce it, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with necessary resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
“I urge the officers who will call this facility home to remain steadfast in their service to their motherland. The nation looks to you, not only as enforcers of the law, but as protectors of our shared hope for a safer, healthier society. This investment in your welfare is a call to higher responsibility, one that requires unwavering dedication and resolute commitment.
“This day should serve as more than the commissioning of a physical structure. It should be a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to building a society where every citizen can thrive—free from the perils of drug abuse and the destruction it brings. Together, through concerted effort and unwavering determination, we will secure the promise of a better and brighter Nigeria for all,” the minister said.
In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, highlighted the importance of the barracks project in ensuring the safety of the agency’s personnel, 35 years after its establishment.
“This year marks the 35th anniversary of NDLEA. Over the years, the absence of dedicated accommodation for our officers has led to challenges, including exposure to risks for them and their families.
“Tragically, quite a number of our personnel have been trailed to their houses and murdered. Such incidents emphasise the urgency of providing secure housing for our personnel,” Marwa stressed.
Speaking on the project, Marwa said, “This facility, situated on an 18-hectare site in Kwanan Waya, reflects our commitment to the safety, welfare, and operational efficiency of our personnel.”
He added, “The accommodation includes lodges for the state and zonal commanders, 80 one-bedroom terrace flats, 120 two-bedroom semi-detached flats, and 60 three-bedroom semi-detached flats.”
