N75.6bn NDLEA Budget ‘Insufficient’: Lawmakers Warn Drug Funding Gap Threatens National Security, Demand Emergency IGR Release

N75.6bn NDLEA Budget ‘Insufficient’: Lawmakers Warn Drug Funding Gap Threatens National Security, Demand Emergency IGR Release

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening drug crisis, declaring that the N75.6 billion proposed for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the 2026 budget is grossly inadequate. Lawmakers warned that persistent funding gaps are undermining the country’s broader fight against insecurity.

During the NDLEA’s budget defence session, legislators expressed concern that despite the well-established link between drug abuse and violent crimes, the agency continues to operate with limited capital releases, deteriorating infrastructure, and insufficient operational tools. 

The committee revealed that no capital funds were released to the NDLEA in 2025, a development members described as “alarming” and detrimental to ongoing projects nationwide.

Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, committee chairman, and Co-Chairman Hon. Abass Aboworin Adigun led the scrutiny of the agency’s 2025 performance and 2026 proposal following a presentation by NDLEA Secretary, Shadrach Haruna.

“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 said after a closed-door deliberation.

Lawmakers criticised the capital allocation of N388.59 million in the 2026 proposal, describing it as insufficient for an agency with nationwide enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention mandates. Critical projects, including construction and rehabilitation of state commands, counselling centres, and procurement of operational equipment, have stalled due to funding constraints.

Vague budget descriptions also drew sharp criticism. A project titled “Construction of Habitation through Counselling Centre” raised questions on whether it refers to new construction or renovation. Allocations for ambulances, body scanners, and laptops were also queried, with members insisting that quantities and specifications align with modern budgeting standards.

The N75.6 billion overall budget was widely described as inadequate for an agency tackling a drug abuse prevalence of 14.4 per cent—nearly three times the global average, according to UNODC figures. Senator Baba Njide Husseini noted that drug abuse increasingly affects 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 asked.

Lawmakers also highlighted the deplorable state of NDLEA facilities across several states, including the Plateau State command in Jos. Proposed renovation funding of N24 million was deemed unrealistic given the facility’s condition.

NDLEA Secretary Haruna acknowledged the funding challenges but outlined operational gains, including seizure of drugs valued at about N550 billion and destruction of 640 hectares of illicit cannabis farms nationwide. He explained that personnel costs reflect promotions and a new compensation structure, resulting in a 1.6 per cent increase over the previous baseline.

For capital funding, Haruna said only 30 per cent of the 2025 allocation was released in the last quarter and largely committed before utilisation, while 70 per cent is set to be carried forward into 2026. He also highlighted international collaborations, particularly with the U.S. DEA, and ongoing demand reduction initiatives targeting schools, religious institutions, and grassroots communities.

Despite acknowledging successes, lawmakers stressed that operational achievements under severe financial constraints only underscore the urgent need for increased investment. Some members advocated placing the NDLEA on a first-line charge to ensure direct statutory funding from the Federation Account, framing the fight against drug abuse as a national security emergency.

The committee resolved to explore alternative funding options, including emergency release of two per cent internally generated revenue (IGR), warning that without immediate and substantial financial reinforcement, Nigeria’s efforts to curb drug abuse, and the associated insecurity, may remain critically undermined.

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