Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa: A Life Dedicated to Public Service

Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) has built a distinguished career spanning military service, public administration, diplomacy and national drug-control efforts.

Born on September 9, 1953, Marwa attended the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy before being commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1973. During his military career, he held several command and staff positions, including Brigade Major of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Academic Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Defence Adviser to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Marwa also served as Military Governor of Borno State from 1990 to 1992 and Military Administrator of Lagos State from 1996 to 1999. His time in public administration placed him at the centre of efforts to address security, infrastructure and governance challenges in both states.

Beyond his military career, Marwa pursued advanced studies in the United States. He obtained a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University. He later served as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, with concurrent accreditation to Lesotho and Swaziland.

In 2018, Marwa was appointed Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse, a position he held until 2020. His work on the committee preceded his appointment as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in January 2021.

At the NDLEA, Marwa has overseen an intensified campaign against illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse. The agency has expanded enforcement operations, pursued drug-related prosecutions, strengthened collaboration with international partners and increased public awareness campaigns on the dangers of substance abuse.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu renewed Marwa’s appointment as NDLEA chairman in November 2025 for another five-year term, meaning he is expected to remain in office until 2031. The President described the reappointment as a vote of confidence in Marwa’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.

Marwa’s career reflects the varied responsibilities of public service, from military leadership and state administration to diplomacy and national drug-law enforcement. His continued role at the NDLEA places him at the forefront of Nigeria’s response to the growing challenges associated with illicit drugs and substance abuse.