The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a total of $1.442 billion to procure arms, ammunition, and equipment for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This move aims to enhance the agency’s anti-narcotics operations across the country.
According to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the council approved three memoranda in favor of the NDLEA. The approvals include $1.442 billion for arms, ammunition, and equipment, N1.9 billion for 33 CNG-compliant vehicles, and N985 million for two full-body scanners at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The FEC also approved a ban on single-use plastics in all federal government ministries, agencies, and departments. The Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, explained that this move aligns with the 2022 National Policy on Plastic Waste Management and demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The ban is a precursor to a nationwide ban on single-use plastics by January 2025.