Lawmakers Declare N75.6bn NDLEA Budget Inadequate, Warn of Security Risks
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has described the proposed N75.6 billion allocation for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the 2026 budget as grossly inadequate, warning that persistent funding gaps are threatening Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
During the agency’s budget defence session, lawmakers expressed concern that despite the established link between drug abuse and violent crimes, the NDLEA continues to grapple with limited capital releases, deteriorating infrastructure and insufficient operational equipment.
Committee Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, and Co-Chairman, Hon. Abass Aboworin Adigun, led the review of the agency’s 2025 performance and its 2026 proposal following a presentation by NDLEA Secretary, Shadrach Haruna.
Members described as “alarming” the revelation that no capital funds were released to the agency in 2025, noting that the development stalled several critical projects nationwide.
“This agency should be among the top national priorities. At least 50 per cent of insecurity in Nigeria is linked to drug abuse. Yet we are not funding it accordingly. If we fail to act now, the implications in the next decade will be severe,” Adigun stated after a closed-door deliberation.
Lawmakers criticised the N388.59 million capital allocation proposed for 2026, arguing that it falls short of what is required for an agency with nationwide enforcement, rehabilitation and prevention responsibilities. They noted that construction and rehabilitation of state commands, counselling centres and procurement of operational equipment have been delayed due to inadequate funding.
The committee also faulted vague budget line items, questioning descriptions such as “Construction of Habitation through Counselling Centre,” and demanding clarity on whether they refer to new construction or renovation. Allocations for ambulances, body scanners and laptops were also scrutinised, with lawmakers insisting on detailed specifications and quantities consistent with modern budgeting standards.
Several members pointed to the rising drug abuse prevalence rate of 14.4 per cent in Nigeria—nearly three times the global average, according to UNODC data—as evidence that funding levels do not reflect the scale of the crisis. Senator Baba Njide Husseini warned that substance abuse is increasingly affecting families, women and children.
“Most violent crimes we face today are linked to substance abuse. How do you expect this agency to function without capital releases?” he queried.
Lawmakers also highlighted the poor condition of NDLEA facilities in several states, including the Plateau State command in Jos, where a proposed N24 million renovation budget was described as unrealistic.
In his response, NDLEA Secretary Haruna acknowledged the funding challenges but outlined operational achievements, including the seizure of drugs valued at approximately N550 billion and the destruction of 640 hectares of illicit cannabis farms nationwide. He attributed the slight 1.6 per cent increase in personnel costs to promotions and a revised compensation structure.
On capital releases, Haruna explained that only 30 per cent of the 2025 allocation was released in the last quarter and largely committed before utilisation, while 70 per cent would be carried forward into 2026. He also cited strengthened international collaboration, particularly with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and ongoing demand-reduction campaigns targeting schools, religious institutions and grassroots communities.
Despite acknowledging the agency’s achievements, lawmakers maintained that operating under severe financial constraints underscores the urgent need for enhanced funding. Some members proposed placing the NDLEA on a first-line charge to guarantee statutory funding from the Federation Account, describing the drug war as a national security emergency.
The committee resolved to explore alternative funding mechanisms, including the emergency release of two per cent of internally generated revenue (IGR), warning that without substantial financial reinforcement, efforts to curb drug abuse and its link to insecurity could remain critically undermined.
