‘They’re exposed to attacks’ — FEC approves over N4bn to build barracks for NDLEA personnel

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved over N4 billion for the construction of barracks for personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday at the end of the FEC meeting, Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, said the projects would discourage attacks and threats on officers.

Malami said recent efforts by officers of the NDLEA against illicit drugs have exposed them to more attacks and threats, noting that over 18,000 arrests were made within three-quarters of 2023.

“As you are aware, there has been renewed and sustained onslaught against drug cartels and barons over time. Within the three quarters of 2023 about 18,940 arrests were affected by the NDLEA and indeed drugs with the estimated value of over N40 billion were confiscated,” he said.

“Again, about 2,904 convictions were recorded. These successes recorded unfortunately, translated to unprecedented threats and attacks on personnel, officers, men, and other ranks of the agency, and then the need has arisen for the federal government to consider the possibility of taking security measures that will now provide the desired protection to the officers and men of the commission.

“So with that in mind, what was presented before the Federal Executive Council today is a memo seeking approval for the award of contract for the construction of barracks for personnel of the drug law enforcement agency.

“Accordingly, two contracts were awarded, and the company that was awarded the contract Whitchino engineering limited, for the construction of accommodation for narcotics superintendents and narcotic assistant blocks, each consisting six numbers of three bedroom, semi-detached flats, 12 flats, and five blocks each, consisting 16 number one bedroom terraces flats, 80 flats total 92 flats at the cost of N2,267,785,450.83.

“The second contract was awarded to JP sigma Nigeria limited in the sum of N2,889,480,320.55 and they are to construct accommodation for narcotics for superintendents and narcotics agents, two blocks each consistent six numbers, three bedroom, semi-detached plots, 12 flats, and 11 blocks, each consisting eight numbers two bedrooms, semi-detached flats 89 flats total 12 plus 88 which makes 100 flats. So the council memo was taken and it was accordingly approved by the council.”

Also speaking, Muazu Sambo, minister of transportation, said more than N510 million was also approved for the building and supply of customized fire service search and rescue vans.

Sambo said the vans would be used to rescue accident victims for Rivers ports, Port Harcourt, Lagos port complex, Tin Can Island port, and Marina headquarters in Lagos.

He said the council also authorised over $984,722,302.05 for the procurement of rolling stock operation and maintenance equipment for Kano-Maradi standard gauge rail line which is currently under construction.