PRESS RELEASE
TRAINING OF NDLEA OFFICERS TO COST 780 MILLION NAIRA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said that basic training for newly employed officers will cost seven hundred and eighty million naira (N780,000,000) only. It also provided reasons why the training has not been conducted. Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade who appeared before the Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption in Abuja on Wednesday said that though adequate training is crucial, lack of funds has hitherto hindered the training of the new officers.
According to Giade, “when we got approval for the recruitment of the officers we did not anticipate delay in the release of funds for training. The basic training programme will cost 780 million naira. Drug control is sensitive and the training must match the functions of the officers. In the interim, I had to use my discretion to conduct their documentation and deploy them to their States of origin for orientation programme. This was merely introductory and does not suffice for the basic narcotic course. Consequently, I directed the commanders not to engage them in critical operational assignments save for routine administrative duties”.
The NDLEA boss also explained that there is compliance with his directives and that the Makurdi shooting incident was not done by the new officers. He therefore appealed for the release of funds to enable the Agency conduct the training. “I wish to state that the Makurdi shooting incident did not involve the new officers. The case is being handled in line with the Agency’s rules and regulations. I also wish to appeal to the Committee to assist us in providing funds for the training which is long overdue” Giade stated.
The Committee Chairman, senator Victor Lar said that though some persons that sent memorandums are not present, the NDLEA has given explanation to questions asked. “The committee is better informed on the issues of concern. The inadequate funding condition of the NDLEA is noted and appropriate action will be taken by the committee” Lar assured.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
