President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. Speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the need for continued investment in prevention.

President Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, called on all Nigerians to support the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative launched by NDLEA three years ago. “I commend and urge everyone to redouble their efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country,” he said. “This administration is committed to protecting our youth and ensuring their future is not derailed by substance abuse.”

He highlighted the devastating impact of illicit drugs on individuals, families, and communities. “Prevention is the most potent weapon we can deploy,” Tinubu noted. “It saves lives and resources that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation.”

The President emphasized the importance of investing in evidence-based prevention programs. “By allocating resources to prevention, we can break the cycle of drug abuse and protect our youth,” he stated. “This approach empowers individuals, promotes healthy lifestyles, and creates resilient communities.”

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting NDLEA’s success and ensuring positive outcomes in the next national drug use survey. He urged all Nigerians, including religious and traditional leaders, educational institutions, and civil society organizations, to join hands in this cause. “NDLEA has created a formidable platform for cooperation through its WADA initiative,” he added.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) highlighted the agency’s achievements in the last three years. The agency has arrested 52,901 drug traffickers, including 48 barons, and secured over 9,000 convictions. “Our efforts have resulted in the seizure of over 7.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances,” Marwa reported.

Marwa introduced the ‘Save Our Families’ social advocacy campaign aimed at early detection and intervention. “We have produced special drug test kits for use in homes, schools, and workplaces,” he said. “This will help in early detection of drug abuse, especially among youths, and provide necessary intervention.”

NDLEA’s efforts have been recognized by international partners, including the European Union, UNODC, and the US-DEA. “Our collaboration with foreign law enforcement agencies has led to the arrest and prosecution of Nigerian drug traffickers abroad,” Marwa said. He also noted that over 33,453 individuals have been counseled, treated, and rehabilitated in NDLEA’s 30 rehabilitation centers nationwide.

Marwa highlighted the agency’s offensive operations targeting cannabis farms, resulting in the destruction of 1,057 hectares of cannabis in the past three years. NDLEA is also planning an alternative development program to encourage cannabis farmers to grow cash crops instead. “This program aims to reduce the cultivation of psychoactive plants and promote sustainable agriculture,” he explained.

Marwa announced the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to strengthen drug control efforts. The committee includes relevant ministries, departments, and agencies crucial to drug abuse prevention. “This approach aims to share best practices, mobilize resources, and tackle the multifaceted challenge of drug abuse,” he said.

Several dignitaries, including Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics Hon. Abass Adigun, emphasized the importance of adequate funding for NDLEA. They called on the federal government to enhance budgetary provisions for the agency to fulfill its mandate effectively.

In his remarks, outgoing UNODC Country Representative Dr. Oliver Stolpe recommended rolling out the UNPLUGGED drug prevention program to all secondary schools in Nigeria. He also highlighted the need for up-to-date data to assess the long-term impact of collective efforts.

The speakers at the event stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to strengthen NDLEA’s operations. They unanimously called on the Tinubu administration to ensure adequate funding for the agency and related drug use reduction efforts.