Nigeria remains committed to curbing drug scourge through

•Drugs worth N1.5trillion seized in 18 months, says Marwa

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye and Godwin Tsa, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to eliminating the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking through evidence-based, innovative interventions.

The president gave this assurance on Friday, in Abuja, during the grand finale of celebrations, marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

President Tinubu was represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the president emphasised that the evolving nature of the global drug problem demands constant vigilance, adaptability, and collective action. He noted that the consequences of the drug scourge extend far beyond individual users, severely disrupting families, schools, workplaces, and overall national security.

According to the president, the federal government is confronting these challenges through a well-coordinated, multi-faceted approach.

A major highlight of the presidential address was the high praise showered on the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA for their relentless crusade against drug cartels.

“This is a fitting occasion for me to convey my strong commendation to the officers, men and leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency under the able leadership of Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.).

“I wish to particularly highlight the remarkable strides made by the Agency in terms of increased arrests and seizures, successful convictions, multi-billion-naira forfeitures, extensive rehabilitation and advocacy campaigns, as well as the dismantling of organised drug cartels and trafficking networks, including the one behind the largest methamphetamine laboratory in Nigeria,” the president said.

In his welcome remark, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), stated that Nigeria stands in lockstep with the global community, while reaffirming the country’s unyielding resolve against one of the most persistent threats to public health, national security, social stability, and human development.

He said in the last 18 months alone, the Agency has made a total of 29,262 arrests leading to the seizure of 5,305,484.88 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion and the conviction of 5,225 offenders.

In his remark at the event, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Representative, Chiekh Touré who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga commended the Federal Government for its continued commitment to addressing the drug problem through a balanced and coordinated approach.

Another highpoint of the event was the presentation prize gifts to three winners of NDLEA inter-secondary school essay competition. The first prize of N500, 000 and trophy went to Ikpeamachi Jennifer of Federal Government College, Enugu; while Aliyu Kama of General Murtala Muhammed College, Yola got the second prize of N300, 000 with trophy and Chiagoziem Ikechukwu of Mimshak Academy, Mbawsi, Abia state went with the third prize of N200, 000 and trophy.