The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has relocated its headquarters to a newly built facility in the Jahi district of Abuja, signaling a major step in the agency’s operational expansion.

The inauguration of the first phase of the headquarters project took place during a low-key interdenominational service on Wednesday.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Retd.), explained that the move was necessary to accommodate the agency’s growth and improve efficiency.

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“I’m glad we have finally moved in to occupy this facility after initial budgetary constraints,” Marwa said.

“Even though this is the first phase of the new headquarters project, we are hopeful that we will complete the process with next year’s budget.

This is not 100% completed, but it is sufficiently functional for us to move in because I was determined to relocate before the end of 2024.”

Marwa noted that the expansion of the agency had made the old headquarters in Gimbiya Street, Garki, inadequate. “I have had to post scores of officers due to a lack of space for them to work,” he added.

The new facility will consolidate directorates currently operating outside Abuja into one location to streamline operations.

The old office will now serve as the agency’s annex.

The NDLEA chairman expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support, which he credited for enabling the agency to make significant strides.

“The support we are getting from our international partners and local stakeholders, especially President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and the citizenry, is not just to appreciate our efforts but to encourage us to do more. I believe this new work environment will motivate us to surpass past feats,” Marwa stated.

In his remarks, the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, highlighted achievements under Marwa’s leadership, including increasing the agency’s staff strength from 5,000 to 15,000, resolving long-standing allowances, amending its enabling law, and boosting professionalism.

“The commissioning of our headquarters today is part of the incremental but well-laid agenda for the repositioning of the agency by the chairman,” Haruna said.

“We have witnessed monumental achievements since 2021, including promotion of officers, opening up of vacancies, and payment of accumulated allowances to staff and widows of our fallen officers.”

Christian and Islamic prayers were offered for President Tinubu and Nigeria during the event, which also featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on New Media, has clarified the origin of a viral video showing a heated exchange between the Governor and a young woman.

The video, which resurfaced on social media on Wednesday, was filmed during a public event in 2019, not a recent occurrence, as many had assumed.

In a statement posted on X.com, Gawat explained that the incident took place on January 28, 2019, at a question-and-answer session during a public event organized by Niteshift Coliseum in Opebi, Lagos.

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At the time, Sanwo-Olu was a governorship aspirant, engaging with the audience as part of his campaign.

Gawat emphasized that the young woman involved in the exchange raised her voice and became rude when asking her question, prompting a firm response from Sanwo-Olu.

He also pointed out that there were no security details, such as DSS or police officers, present during the interaction.

“The event continued peacefully afterward,” Gawat added, urging the public to view the video in its proper context as part of the 2019 election campaign.

The clarification follows widespread attention on the video, with some online users mistakenly assuming it was a recent incident.

Watch video below:

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday traveled to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to represent Nigeria at the opening ceremony of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE 2024).

The six-day conference, taking place at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre from November 27 to December 2, 2024, focuses on “Policies and Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Extractive and Energy Industries.”

Shettima’s visit follows an invitation from Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President, Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, according to a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha.

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The Vice President is expected to use the platform to highlight Nigeria’s advancements in hydrocarbon exploration and production while engaging with global leaders and industry stakeholders.

“This is an opportunity to share Nigeria’s experiences and successes in the oil and gas sectors,” Nkwocha stated.

Organized by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, SIREXE 2024 serves as a global meeting point for policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss sustainable practices in extractive and energy development.

Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Abuja later on Wednesday after attending the conference’s opening events.