The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), has charged the agency’s operatives to sustain the momentum on the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

Marwa gave the charge at an award of excellence and presentation of commendation letters to outstanding officers of the agency, yesterday in Abuja.

He said that the award and recognition should inspire them to sustain the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

“This is my charge to the entire NDLEA workforce: We must in good conscience continue to justify the enormous energy we have invested this year in turning around the fortunes of the agency.

“Awards are not given in a vacuum, but to deserving persons for good conduct, for great performance, for jobs well done, or an appreciation for living up to someone’s duty or attaining organisational goals.

“These awards and commendations are attestation that the leadership of NDLEA is keeping its side of the bargain, to wit, to motivate the NDLEA workforce as a means of getting the agency out of the rot in which it was stuck for years.

“We must as individuals and collectively reflect on this positive development. And for those we are complimenting today, the awards, the recognition, should further motivate you to go the extra mile.

“In doing that I urge you, do not trample upon discipline according to our creed.

“Do not compromise your loyalty to the ideals and ethos of the agency, and finally, constantly rededicate yourself to duty and attainment of organisational goals,” Marwa said.

According to him, the onus is now on the NDLEA to ensure that its performance which has made it the cynosure of global attention will not become a flash in the pan.

“To the entire NDLEA workforce, I can assure you that we can look ahead into the future without anxiety. We should be confident that better days are here.

“However, we need to constantly remind ourselves that our performance is the catalyst that will hasten our journey to a drug-free Nigeria.’’

He said that the agency had made a case for new salary structure for operatives, while it had harmonised rank structure and stagnated ranks through promotion of 3,506 officers and men.

“We have rejigged our welfare scheme. We have practically doubled our strength in terms of personnel in one year,” he said.

Marwa had instituted the “Bimonthly Best Performing Command Award’’ which after two editions was transformed into the quarterly awards. (NAN)