300 billion naira has been proposed by the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for building barracks in 36 states of the country.
The barracks would be for personnel of the agency in the states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The NDLEA boss, Buba Marwa disclosed this when he appeared before the House Committee on Narcotic Drug and Financial Crime to defend the Agency’s 2022 budget on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, the agency has commenced work with some architects and consultants to ensure the take-off of the project, adding that the Agency has decided that the first phase of the project will commence from the six geopolitical zones in the country.
The former military Governor of Lagos State also called for improved funding for the agency to curtail the activities of drug cartels.
The NDLEA chief stressed the need for more arms and ammunition for the Agency even as he said its 10000 personnel will soon increase to 15000 because additional 5000 personnel are currently on training.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Francis Agbo who expressed optimism that the chairman will turn the NDLEA around, added that the committee will ensure that the Agency is considered as a priority agency.
He identified drug abuse in the country as a major threat stressing that as a people and government, there is the need to rise up in support of the war against illicit drugs.
The Committee however noted that the N38.152bn 2022 budget proposal for the agency is inadequate considering its mandate and resolved to meet with the Committee on Appropriation to ensure the right thing is done.
