By Damiete Braide
The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced a specialized training programme aimed at equipping senior military and paramilitary officers with the tools to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
The two-day workshop, held at the Presken Hotel in Lagos, focuses on enhancing leadership skills, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and addressing the complexities of drug-related crimes.
In his opening address, Commander of Narcotics at the NDLEA’s Lagos Strategic Command, Abubakar Liman Wali, welcomed participants and emphasized the significance of the initiative,“Today marks the beginning of an important journey aimed at fortifying our collective capacity to combat the challenges we face in drug reduction, enforcement, and control”.
Wali highlighted the evolving nature of drug trafficking and the need for law enforcement agencies to adapt their strategies to stay ahead of emerging threats.
He said the primary objective of the training is not only to impart knowledge,but to foster a shared vision for a drug-free society:“Through rigorous training and shared experiences, we can build a robust network of proficient officers ready to tackle the complexities of drug-related crimes and the illnesses arising from drug abuse”.
He urged participants to engage actively, share insights, and contribute to a unified effort toward a safer and healthier Lagos.
Assistant Commander General of Narcotics and Coordinator of the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP), Mrs. Ibibia Odili, highlighted the strategic significance of the NDCMP in addressing Nigeria’s drug challenges. She emphasized that the plan is a multi-sectoral initiative involving various institutions.
“Every aspect of our country’s drug problems must be addressed through collective action. It is not a one-man show, and every institution or agency has a role to play”.
She pointed out that the NDCMP, which runs from 2021 to 2025, focuses on critical areas such as drug supply and demand, the role of technology, and the prevention of drug use among children,“When young people get involved with drugs, the challenges in treatment and prevention become more complex. It’s crucial for parents, caregivers, and policymakers to collaborate in addressing this issue”.
Odili also highlighted the importance of monitoring the implementation of the current plan to ensure its effectiveness,“We need to assess our progress and gather feedback to inform future strategies,” she concluded.
The workshop underscores the NDLEA’s commitment to building a coordinated, multi-agency response to Nigeria’s drug crisis, aiming to create a safer and healthier society through strategic leadership and collaboration.
Maria Ilugbuhi, a Master Trainer from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing drug issues. “This event will equip participants with knowledge on prevention, treatment, and care. Tackling drug issues is everyone’s responsibility, and the NDLEA cannot work alone,” she said. Ilugbuhi stressed the need for various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and community leaders, to work together in combating the drug problem.