I have known Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) for approximately 30 years. As a young reporter, I observed from a working distance the metamorphosis of a military administrator who was unlike any other—an enigma as committed to his work as he was to achieve excellence in public administration.
In an era when military governments were often perceived as detached from the people, he ironically became a man of the people in Lagos State, the crucible of anti-military sentiment.Twenty-five years later, quite luckily, I found myself working directly under him. Then, as now, he remains a quintessential beacon of leadership and inspiration. Certain men are legends: their achievements make them larger than life. Gen Marwa is undoubtedly one of them. Stories abound, endlessly, of his goodness, drive, and accomplishments.
From New York to Washington, Borno to Lagos, Kaduna to Abuja, and Lagos to Owerri, encounters with those who have worked with him or know him, whether in a leadership or personal capacity, invariably reveal new perspectives of Marwa. Each fresh recollection adds another dimension to his multifaceted personality. Despite knowing him for years, I continue to hear new details daily.
Working closely with him at Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency for the past 56 months has allowed me to reflect on his character, distil his qualities, and identify what sets him apart. Consequently, I have my own stories to share about him in a work context.I can state without any doubt or contradiction: wherever he serves, the environment experiences significant change, and he leaves a legacy that continues to resonate for generations long after his departure.
One such story originates from his tenure as Defence Adviser in New York. He had previously served briefly as Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington before being recalled home. His second tenure in America, as Defence Adviser at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, continues to have an impact to this day.
Through his foresight and effort, he secured permanent accommodation for future occupants of that role—a privilege that had not existed before. His predecessors had been left to resolve accommodation challenges independently, but he deemed it essential to establish an official residence for the office and was committed to making it a reality. Today, this stands as a lasting legacy.
Earlier this February, there was a strong sense of déjà vu when he stood with dignitaries to commission the first-ever barracks for the 35-year-old National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). What he accomplished decades ago in New York was replicated at NDLEA, where he currently serves. This is vintage MB Marwa.
His life and legacy follow a consistent pattern. At DICON, he transformed what was nonexistent into tangible structures and systems.In Lagos, his achievements were legendary; when recounting them, he is often elevated to almost mythical status. Lagosians remember his impact vividly and with nostalgia, revelling in his legacies. The famous ‘Keke Marwa,’ now ubiquitous across the country, remains a reminder of his extraordinary administrative acumen in Lagos.
His other contributions, such as the restoration of security through Operation Sweep, Operation 250 Roads, the construction of numerous housing estates, the Lagos University College of Medicine, and Eko Tourist Beach Resort, to name a few, stand out prominently in the state’s history.
Indeed, his transformative influence extends back to his time in the old Borno State (now present-day Borno and Yobe states), which is still recalled with admiration by those who experienced it.
The establishment of the State Ministry of Water Resources in Nigeria began in Borno, and its creator was the State Military Governor, then Colonel Mohamed Buba Marwa.
Now, at NDLEA, his four and a half years of leadership have been equally transformative. His vision and guidance have awakened a sleeping giant by introducing reforms that are both foundational and forward-looking. Today, NDLEA’s service resonates not only nationally but regionally and globally.
For Marwa, there is no magic wand—that is my conclusion. While leadership and vision are traits he embodies, these qualities alone cannot fully capture the essence of the man.
In my final analysis, I always say: he is a man of uncommon grace, endowed with the capacity to touch lives, shape institutions, and leave an indelible mark. As such, his name has earned its place in our national record of achievements for services of enduring impact.
As he celebrates his 72nd birthday today, September 9th, I am delighted to join others in wishing him a long and fulfilling life. He is a celebrated hero, with two national honours, CON and OFR, numerous chieftaincy titles across Nigeria, and four Honoris Causa degrees. His record is a testament to a life of recognition.Our celebration of him and his new age is an acknowledgement of how his unwavering dedication and keen sense of service have shaped countless lives, livelihoods, and institutions across our nation.
Femi Babafemi is the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Abuja
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