The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the welfare of officers and personnel of the agency.
Marwa stated that his priority is to ensure that NDLEA personnel remain physically and mentally fit to effectively combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
He gave the assurance on Monday during a media briefing and the inauguration of a state-of-the-art fitness centre at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The NDLEA chairman said the establishment of the gym reinforces his dedication to the health, strength, and overall well-being of NDLEA officers, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Marwa, the fitness centre will play a crucial role in ensuring that officers are physically and mentally prepared to tackle the demanding responsibilities of combating drug-related crimes.
“The fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is not just a battle of intelligence and strategy; it also requires physical endurance, agility, and resilience.
“The nature of our work places extraordinary demands on our bodies and minds.
“From long hours of surveillance and enforcement operations to high-risk engagements, we must always be in top form to protect our society from the dangers of illicit drugs,” he stated.
Marwa stressed that regular exercise should not be seen as a luxury but a necessity, as a physically fit officer is better equipped to handle stress, respond swiftly in the field, and make sound decisions under pressure.
“This fitness centre is more than just a gym; it is an investment in our most valuable asset—our people.
“We hope to replicate similar facilities across zonal and state commands as funds become available.
“I urge all personnel in Abuja to take full advantage of this facility. Let it not just be a mere structure but a place of daily transformation where we strengthen not only our bodies but also our resolve to serve with excellence,” Marwa added.
The NDLEA boss urged personnel to see the inauguration as a reminder of the need to maintain peak physical, mental, and professional standards.
“Together, let us continue to build a strong, resilient agency that remains ever ready to fulfil its mandate,” he concluded.
