From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a decisive declaration at the grand finale of the 2025 World Drug Day commemoration, President Bola Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria’s battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking must transcend government efforts and become a national movement.
Speaking at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, underscored the critical role of families, faith leaders, civil society, youth groups, community leaders, businesses, and people with lived experience in this collective struggle.
“Let us also be clear: this fight is not one for governments alone. It must be a national movement—driven by families, faith leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, community leaders, businesses, and, crucially, people with life experience. Their voices matter. Their stories inspire. Their leadership is essential,” he declared.
He further highlighted the complex roots of the drug crisis, linking it to poverty, inequality, violence, and conflict: “To effectively tackle this problem, our approach must be comprehensive. We must foster peace. We must promote inclusive development. And we must uphold human rights every step of the way.”
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global community’s efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking:“We are committed to working hand in hand with all nations to end this menace and tame illicit trafficking of substances. Together, we can dismantle the systems that sustain this crisis. Together, we can build a future where prevention is strong, treatment is accessible, and recovery is not just possible,but celebrated.”
He linked this commitment to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on poverty alleviation and youth empowerment through initiatives such as student loan schemes and technical skills development.
He also praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and its leadership,under Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd) for their internationally recognized achievements: “The great efforts of the NDLEA, its personnel and the leadership headed by Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) have not only attracted commendations from international partners and western nations, but more support and collaboration with Nigeria in the global effort to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking,” he said.
Marwa, in his welcome remarks, stressed the urgency of intensifying drug use prevention in Nigeria: “There is no better time than now for the country to take drug use prevention seriously. The reality around us is a strong indication,a wake-up call for us as parents, guardians and governments to step up preventive measures,” he said.
Marwa recalled that seven years ago, Nigeria was identified as having one of the highest drug abuse prevalence rates globally: “Today, with a population exceeding 230 million, it is both urgent and pragmatic to prevent new individuals from being drawn into the population of drug users. As parents, guardians, and leaders, we must be more vigilant and recognise that the issue of drug abuse is not distant; it is close to home.”
He outlined the NDLEA’s dual strategy of aggressive drug supply reduction combined with robust prevention efforts.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is providing leverage to tackle such critical factors as poverty and unemployment. Initiatives like NELFUND, which offers student loans, and programmes like the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT), which improve technical skills required for digital economy employability, along with improved national security, will reduce the factors that increase the likelihood of drug abuse.”
Marwa reiterated the pivotal role of parenting and education in prevention:“Much responsibility rests on parenting. Through our War Against Drug Abuse Advocacy (WADA) campaign, we work with parents, teachers and leaders in communities, institutions and associations to spread awareness and teach how to safeguard younger generations. Our family support advocacy emphasises that children don’t just need money—they need the presence and voice of their parents and guardians. Parents must ask questions, dig deeper, and instill values.” He added that teachers are crucial in shaping character, noting that drug abuse topics are now included in the national curriculum.
Highlighting the reach of the WADA campaign, Marwa revealed,“Every week, across Nigeria, our 36 state commands with the FCT and 14 zonal commands engage in WADA outreach—raising awareness in schools, offices, religious centres, communities, motor parks and markets. We have organised 11,123 sensitisation programmes and reached millions through weekly media engagements. Thousands more have benefited from psycho-social support via our 24/7 toll-free helpline.”
On treatment and rehabilitation, Marwa reported significant progress: “We have 30 active treatment centres where, over the past 53 months, we have counselled and rehabilitated 26,393 persons. Thanks to the support of Mr. President, seven new rehabilitation centres have been approved and will be developed under this year’s budget, broadening access to treatment.”
Marwa also stressed the importance of disrupting drug supply chains.
“While we work strategically to prevent individuals from initiating drug use, we must simultaneously shut down the pipeline through which these harmful substances are distributed. We must remove traffickers from the equation.”
He cited the arrest of 66,085 offenders, including 94 drug barons and the seizure of over 11.1 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs in the past four and a half years. “A total of 12,201 offenders have been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms within the same time frame.”
Expressing gratitude, Marwa acknowledged the unwavering support from President Tinubu’s administration, the National Assembly, the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum, MTN Nigeria Foundation, and international partners including UNODC, INL, DEA, UK Border Force, and governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reinforced the message by framing drug abuse as a multifaceted threat. “Drug abuse is not just a public health crisis, but a threat to national security, social stability, and economic development. Drug abuse and trafficking force organized crime undermines the rule of law and destroys the hope and future of our young people, our most precious national assets.”
He emphasized the importance of integrating prevention into education, healthcare, and criminal justice systems, affirming the federal government’s commitment through various drug control frameworks and action plans.
President of Senate Godswill Akpabio, represented by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Ibrahim Dankwambo, described the fight against drugs as “not a war of convenience, it is a war of necessity. Every life lost to addiction is not just a tragedy, it is a failure of our collective will. Every young Nigerian drawn into this abyss is a call to arms.”
Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Toure, highlighted the importance of prevention, treatment, and recovery as essential investments:“They are life-saving investments. Together we can break the vicious cycle of drug abuse, organized crime and marginalization and together we can build a safer, healthier and more hopeful Nigeria.”