Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.) is a distinguished Nigerian military officer, administrator, diplomat, and public servant whose career spans several decades in the military, governance, and national development sectors. He is widely recognized for his disciplined leadership, integrity, and transformative impact on governance and public service in Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Mohammed Buba Marwa was born on September 9, 1953, in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria. Coming from a military family, he inherited a strong sense of discipline and service. His primary education took him across Nigeria, attending schools in Enugu, Zaria, Abeokuta, and Lagos, exposing him to diverse cultures and communities.
Marwa’s military journey began at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria (1966–1970), after which he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in June 1973. Pursuing excellence in public administration, he earned:
- Master of Public and International Affairs – University of Pittsburgh (1983–1985)
- Master of Public Administration – Harvard University (1985–1986)
Military Career
Marwa served with distinction in the Nigerian Army, holding key positions including:
- Brigade Major, 23rd Armoured Brigade
- Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma
- Academic Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy
- Deputy Defence Adviser, Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC
- Defence Adviser to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission at the United Nations, New York
Governor of Borno State (1990–1992)
Under General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime, Marwa was appointed Military Governor of Borno State. During his tenure, he:
- Established the first Ministry of Water Resources
- Undertook infrastructure projects using direct labor, including the completion of Maiduguri International Hotel
- Launched “Operation Zaki” to tackle cross-border security challenges
His governance in Borno was marked by efficiency, transparency, and a focus on public welfare.
Governor of Lagos State (1996–1999)
Marwa later served as Military Governor of Lagos State, where his administration left a lasting impact on the city:
- Infrastructure: Launched “Operation 250 Roads” to rehabilitate Lagos roads using direct labor
- Public Health: Revamped hospitals and made malaria treatment free for residents
- Housing: Developed projects like Marwa Gardens to address housing needs
- Security: Introduced Operation Sweep, a joint military-police initiative that curbed crime
- Transport: Supported three-wheeled vehicles (“Keke Marwa”), now an iconic feature of Lagos transport
- Financial Prudence: Executed projects on a tight budget (~₦14 billion) and handed over ₦2 billion in cash at the end of his tenure without borrowing from banks
His tenure earned him Nigeria’s Man of the Year (1997) recognition by Newswatch magazine.
Post-Governorship Career
After leaving Lagos State, Marwa continued contributing to Nigeria’s development:
- Chairman, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) – promoted local production of military equipment
- Held various diplomatic roles, including ambassadorial responsibilities in Southern Africa
- Led the Presidential Advisory Committee on Drug Abuse (PACEDA)
Chairman, NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency)
In January 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Marwa as Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA. Under his leadership, he:
- Emphasized data-driven enforcement and rehabilitation programs
- Promoted drug prevention education in schools and communities
- Reinforced anti-trafficking measures and strengthened institutional accountability
Marwa’s leadership style at NDLEA reflects his disciplined, no-nonsense approach, balancing enforcement with prevention and public education.
Awards and Honors
- Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), 2003
- Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), 2022
- Distinguished Service Star (DSS) from the Nigerian Armed Forces
- Honorary doctorates from multiple universities in Nigeria, including Lagos State University, University of Nigeria Nsukka, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
Personal Qualities and Legacy
Brigadier-General Buba Marwa is celebrated as a principled, disciplined, and effective leader. He is renowned for:
- Integrity: Transparent financial management and accountability in public office
- Public Safety: Reduction of crime through innovative strategies like Operation Sweep
- National Development: Combining military efficiency with civilian governance priorities
- Drug Policy Reform: Leading NDLEA with a focus on enforcement, rehabilitation, and education
He represents a rare example of military professionalism translating into positive, transformative governance, leaving a legacy of discipline, service, and innovation.
Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa’s life embodies a commitment to service, leadership, and nation-building, making him one of Nigeria’s most respected military and public service figures.
