With about two months left in his tenure, at least five contenders have reportedly joined the race to succeed the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), even as the 72-year-old is said to be lobbying for a second five-year term.
Marwa, who was appointed NDLEA Chairman on January 17, 2021, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, has led one of Nigeria’s most visible anti-narcotics campaigns in years.
However, insider sources told Punch that age, internal reforms, and performance reviews have triggered growing debate over whether he should continue in office.
Five Aspirants Join the Race
A top security official confirmed that at least five people, including retired military officers, police chiefs, and senior lawyers, are currently positioning themselves to take over the NDLEA.
The source said, “The tenure of Marwa will end in about two months, with stakeholders divided on whether he should be allowed a second term or not.
“So far, five people are aspiring to succeed him. Although Marwa is entitled to a second term, those after his job cited old age and President Bola Tinubu’s desire for reform in the agency as reasons for their ambition.”
While the identities of the contenders remain undisclosed, the insider confirmed that political consultations are already underway, with some top figures lobbying through the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Sources told Punch that Marwa’s recent visit to the Presidential Villa on Tuesday was part of his efforts to secure a renewal of his appointment.
However, not all stakeholders are in support of his continuation. Some reportedly recommended that the former Lagos State military administrator be appointed ambassador, arguing that the NDLEA now requires a “fresh vision.”
“Three key factors cited for seeking Marwa’s replacement are his age, Tinubu’s ongoing reform agenda, and the preference for a seasoned law enforcement officer, either retired or still in active service, to head the agency,” the source added.
NDLEA Tagged For Major Reforms
Officials linked the succession debate to the justice sector reforms being driven by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
One top government official explained, “Among the agencies in the justice sector, only the NDLEA has not undergone restructuring.
“The President’s goal is to strengthen the rule of law, human rights, and access to justice through reforms across institutions such as the NDLEA, Nigerian Correctional Service, Code of Conduct Bureau, and Legal Aid Council.”
An internal government assessment reportedly identified the NDLEA as needing “surgical reforms” due to bureaucratic bottlenecks, promotion irregularities, and low conviction rates.
Despite Marwa’s popularity for front-line operations and drug seizures, critics within the agency claim the NDLEA’s bureaucracy has slowed down effective prosecution.
“In spite of Marwa’s above-average performance, he has been seen as a lone ranger. The NDLEA bureaucracy is stifling the war against drugs,” an insider said.
Under Marwa’s leadership, the agency reportedly arrested 31,675 drug offenders but secured convictions for only 5,147, a figure insiders consider too low compared to the number of arrests.
Marwa is believed to be counting on his long-standing relationship with President Tinubu, to whom he handed over power as Lagos State Governor in 1999, to secure his reappointment.
A senior government source said, “Marwa is also battling to stay on the job, at least to earn a second term. It was part of the lobbying that made him see the President on Tuesday.
“History is repeating itself. He was the one who handed over to President Tinubu when he was sworn in as Lagos State governor in 1999. He sees himself as more of a Lagosian and believes this connection may help his case.”
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