By Michael Agbaji
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has declared the ₦75.6 billion proposed for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the 2026 budget insufficient, warning that continued underfunding of the agency poses a serious threat to national security.
The lawmakers raised the alarm during the NDLEA’s 2026 budget defence, citing the growing link between drug abuse, violent crime, and insecurity across the country. The committee expressed concern that despite the agency’s critical role, it continues to operate with inadequate capital releases, dilapidated infrastructure, and limited operational resources.
The committee disclosed that no capital funds were released to the NDLEA throughout 2025, a situation members described as alarming and detrimental to ongoing projects nationwide.
Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, alongside Co-Chairman Hon. Abass Aboworin Adigun, led the session following a presentation by NDLEA Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, on the agency’s 2025 performance and 2026 budget proposal.
“This agency should be treated as a top national priority. A significant portion of insecurity in Nigeria is linked to drug abuse, yet funding does not reflect this reality. Failure to act decisively will have grave consequences in the coming years,” Hon. Adigun said.
Lawmakers criticised the proposed ₦388.59 million capital allocation for 2026 as grossly inadequate for an agency with nationwide enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention responsibilities. Several projects, including state command offices, counselling centres, and procurement of operational equipment, remain stalled due to funding constraints.
Members also faulted vague budget descriptions and questioned allocations for critical equipment, insisting on clearer specifications and accountability. The overall budget was described as inadequate for an agency confronting a 14.4 per cent drug abuse prevalence rate, nearly three times the global average.
Responding, NDLEA Secretary Shadrach Haruna acknowledged the funding challenges but highlighted operational achievements, including the seizure of illicit drugs valued at about ₦550 billion and the destruction of 640 hectares of illicit cannabis farms nationwide. He also cited international partnerships and ongoing demand-reduction programmes.
Despite commending the agency’s performance, lawmakers stressed the urgent need for increased and sustainable funding. The committee resolved to explore alternative financing options, including placing the NDLEA on first-line charge and the emergency release of two per cent internally generated revenue (IGR) to strengthen the agency’s capacity.
The Joint Committee warned that without immediate financial intervention, Nigeria’s efforts to combat drug abuse and the insecurity it fuels may remain severely compromised
