The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reappointing Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.) as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term. The Council described the renewal as a strategic step that will further consolidate Nigeria’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

National President of NCWS, Princess Edna Azura, gave the commendation on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Marwa at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. She emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between the Council and the Agency in areas such as joint sensitisation programmes in schools, markets and communities, as well as training women leaders in drug use prevention, treatment and care.

“We want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this wonderful opportunity that he has given you—extra five years. We are very grateful. This renewal is a clear national endorsement of your monumental contributions to national security, public health, and the protection of women and youth. We are confident that your continued leadership will further fortify the nation’s fight against drug trafficking and promote sustainable peace and stability,” she said.

Princess Azura described Marwa’s leadership of the NDLEA as transformative, noting that the Agency has made significant strides under his watch.

“Over the years, you have demonstrated what strong ethical and visionary public service truly means. The Agency has achieved unprecedented milestones—from dismantling sophisticated drug trafficking networks to intercepting record quantities of illicit substances, expanding intelligence-driven operations and strengthening community-based preventive education and rehabilitation pathways,” she stated.

She added that the NCWS has been actively mobilising women, mothers, teachers and community groups nationwide to participate in drug-abuse prevention efforts through school outreach programmes, advocacy forums and community sensitisation campaigns. She expressed the Council’s readiness to work more closely with the NDLEA, including through training national and state leaders as community anti-drug ambassadors, joint advocacy for mothers and caregivers, and support for rehabilitation and reintegration of women and youths affected by substance abuse.

Responding, Marwa thanked the NCWS delegation for their visit and commendations, stressing the importance of partnerships in addressing Nigeria’s drug challenge. He noted that with an estimated 15 million drug users in the country, a whole-of-society approach is imperative.

“Government cannot handle this alone. We need the entire society to work with us. NCWS is one of our strongest potential partners because you represent mothers and families across the country. It is critical that you stand up and be part of this struggle to redeem our young boys and girls, including women who are afflicted,” he said.

Marwa assured the Council that the NDLEA will partner closely with them and will organise Drug Use Prevention, Treatment and Care (DPTC) training tailored to their needs in 2026. “We usually conduct these trainings for governors’ spouses, and we will design one specifically for you so you can take it down to the states and grassroots,” he added.

He also urged the NCWS to support the push for drug integrity testing for intending couples, noting that such measures can help discourage substance abuse and encourage early detection and treatment among young people.