The President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Professor Mathew Adamu, on Tuesday led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The VCN delegation was received on arrival by the Director of Medical Services, NDLEA, Dr. (ACG) Audu Okpe, who conducted the team to the office of the NDLEA Chairman.
Speaking during the visit, Professor Adamu congratulated Brigadier General Marwa on his reappointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a testament to his outstanding leadership and remarkable achievements in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
According to the Head, Information & Public Relations, Madina Gertrude the VCN President highlighted the existing collaboration between the Veterinary Council of Nigeria and the NDLEA and expressed appreciation to the Agency for creating opportunities for veterinary doctors during its recruitment exercises. He appealed for increased slots for veterinary professionals in future recruitment phases, noting the critical role they play in areas such as drug detection, canine management, public health, and national security.
Professor Adamu also called on the NDLEA to revive anti-drug clubs in tertiary institutions across the country, emphasizing that such initiatives would help curb substance abuse among young people and foster a culture of responsible living.
Drawing from his experience as the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, he disclosed that the institution introduced mandatory drug screening for newly admitted students as part of efforts to discourage drug abuse and promote a healthy academic environment.
The VCN President further commended the NDLEA for its effective deployment of trained detector dogs at international airports and other strategic locations to strengthen drug interdiction efforts. He noted that the Veterinary Council of Nigeria remains one of the oldest professional regulatory bodies in the country, established to regulate veterinary practice, ensure professional standards, and safeguard animal and public health.
Responding, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), described the Veterinary Council of Nigeria as one of the nation's vital professional institutions working diligently behind the scenes to support public health, national security, and economic development.
He stressed the importance of robust data collection across the veterinary sector, noting that accurate and reliable data are critical for effective planning, policy formulation, and national development.
General Marwa assured the VCN delegation of the Agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Council in areas of mutual interest, particularly in capacity building, canine management, public health, and drug control initiatives.
The NDLEA Chairman disclosed that plans were underway to expand the deployment of trained detector dogs currently being utilized at major international airports to additional airports in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Enugu, and Kano.
“Dogs remain the last line of action when human capacity has been exhausted. Their unique abilities continue to make them invaluable assets in our fight against drug trafficking and other criminal activities,” he stated.
On the issue of anti-drug clubs, General Marwa revealed that efforts to revive drug prevention clubs in schools and tertiary institutions were already in progress, noting that the initiative would help educate and sensitize young people on the dangers of substance abuse while promoting positive values among students.
He thanked the VCN leadership for the visit and reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to work closely with the Council to advance shared objectives for the benefit of the nation.
Members of the VCN delegation included the Immediate Past President and Member of the VCN Board, Dr. (AIG) Aishatu Mohammed Baju; Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Professor Simon Emem; Acting Registrar, VCN, Dr. Fadipe Oladotun; Deputy Registrars, Dr. Garba John and Dr. Sarah Chimezie; Assistant Director, Administration, Omoroje Ali; Chief Accountant, Olobaniyi Jacob; and Head, Information and Public Relations, Madina Gertrude.
Also present at the meeting were senior management staff of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).