State Minister of the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, Ahmed Siddiq, has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Drug Agency (NDA) board. Following his appointment, the board held its first official meeting yesterday.
The position of NDA Chairman became vacant after Lubna Zahir, who was appointed in June 2024, was removed from the post on October 20, 2025. Lubna, who previously served as a Deputy Minister at the Home Ministry, has since been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The current board of the NDA is comprised of representatives from various government sectors and non-governmental organizations to ensure a coordinated response to drug-related issues.
Members of the NDA Board
Ahmed Siddiq: State Minister for Homeland Security (Chairman)
Shibana Abdullah Didi: Under Secretary for Public Policy at the President’s Office
Ismail Zahir: Deputy Minister of Health
Ismail Rasheed: Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts
Fathimath Azza: Director General at the Ministry of Education
Dr. Aminath Shumra: Lieutenant Colonel, MNDF
Ahmed Shakir: Chief Superintendent of Police
Ahmed Simah: Deputy Chief Superintendent of Customs
Seeneez Ali: Chief Principal Immigration Officer
Ahmed Abdulla Sattar: Representing the NGO "Journey"
Under the previous administration, the NDA board functioned under the Ministry of Health. However, the current government has designated drug abuse as a significant threat to national security. The oversight of the NDA and all drug rehabilitation services has been moved under the mandate of the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.
