The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against illicit drugs, vowing to dismantle trafficking networks, prevent substance abuse and expand access to treatment and rehabilitation across Nigeria.
The commitment was announced at the opening of the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja, themed “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action.” The summit was jointly organised by the (NDLEA), the and the (UNODC).
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to preventing illicit drug use, dismantling trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and promoting the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Representing the SGF, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, said no nation can achieve sustainable development while its youth are threatened by drug abuse and addiction. He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on promoting mental health, empowering young people and strengthening institutions to confront the growing drug menace.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the summit as a strategic platform for reflection, dialogue and coordinated national action against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Marwa said Nigeria’s drug challenge requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving government institutions, communities, families, development partners, the private sector, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and the media.
He unveiled a coordinated National Action Plan aimed at strengthening prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, data collection, policy implementation and community resilience.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements over the last 18 months, Marwa disclosed that the NDLEA recorded 29,262 arrests, seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion, secured 5,225 convictions, conducted 6,645 drug prevention and awareness campaigns reaching nearly five million Nigerians, and provided counselling, treatment and rehabilitation for 13,508 drug users through its 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide.
He also highlighted the Alternative Development Initiative for cannabis sativa growers, designed to help them transition from illicit cultivation to legitimate cash crop production and sustainable livelihoods.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, challenged participants to ensure the summit delivers practical outcomes rather than ending with a communiqué. He said success should be measured by fewer young people taking drugs, more patients receiving treatment and more families being restored.
Also speaking, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Cheikh Touré, who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended the collaboration among government ministries, agencies, civil society organisations and private sector partners.
Dr. Ibanga said Nigeria’s evolving drug challenge requires urgent, coordinated and evidence-based action, urging stakeholders to translate the National Drug Control Master Plan into practical and measurable results.
The high-level summit attracted top government officials, military and security agencies, development partners and civil society organisations, reaffirming a united commitment to reducing illicit drug use, dismantling trafficking networks and building a healthier, safer and more resilient Nigeria.
