President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its tireless efforts in combatting substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria.
President Tinubu called on Nigerians to join the fight against prohibited substances as a national movement rather than one for governments alone.
The president, who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the remarks in his keynote address at the grand finale of a weeklong programme to commemorate the 2025 World Drug Day, held at the Presidential Villa Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
“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 lived experience. Their voices matter. Their stories inspire. Their leadership is essential.
“At the same time, we must not ignore the deeper roots of this crisis. Drug abuse is tied 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,” he stated.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global campaign against drug abuse, saying, “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.
“There is no doubt that in the past two years, this has been the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of our administration; breaking the burden of poverty, uplifting millions out of squalor and caring for the needs of the masses especially our youth population through student loans scheme and other empowerment initiatives.”
He praised the achievements of the NDLEA under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, noting that the agency has recorded remarkable success not only in reducing drug supply but also in drug demand reduction through aggressive nationwide sensitization aimed at prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of treated drug users back into their families and the society.
“These efforts 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 further stated.
In his welcome address, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Gen. Marwa, stressed the urgency of prioritising drug use prevention.
“The reality around us is a strong indication—a wake-up call—for us as parents, guardians and governments to step up preventive measures. For our nation, prevention is particularly critical, as we are already grappling with a serious challenge. Seven years ago, we came to the stark realisation that Nigeria had one of the highest drug abuse prevalence rates in the world.
“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. We must acknowledge that children are especially vulnerable, and we should not dismiss experimentation with illicit drugs as behaviour limited to a particular demographic,” he said.
He noted that the agency continues to strengthen prevention strategies while remaining relentless in drug supply reduction activities. Marwa also highlighted the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors such as poverty and unemployment as key prevention strategies.
“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.”
“In the final analysis, however, much responsibility rests on parenting. So, we should be looking at how to empower those invested with the role of parenting. Through our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy 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 remarked.
Speaking further, the NDLEA boss said: “Teachers also play a crucial role. They are deeply influential in shaping character and instilling values during the school years. The national curriculum now includes topics on drug abuse, and teachers are in a prime position to guide and protect young minds.
“Our advocacy efforts under the WADA campaign continue to gain momentum. 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 educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and how to escape its grip. In recent years, many non-governmental organisations have joined NDLEA in partnership to broaden the reach of WADA advocacy.
“As a result, we have organised 11,123 sensitisation programmes in schools, work places, worship centres, markets, motor parks and communities, while millions have been reached through our various robust weekly media engagements. This is in addition to thousands more who have benefitted from the psycho-social support services provided through our 24/7 Call Centre on our toll-free helpline- 080010203040. At the same time, we have ramped up treatment and rehabilitation efforts, with 30 centres currently active, where we have in the past 53 months counselled and rehabilitated 26,393 persons. Thanks to the support of Mr. President, seven new rehabilitation centres have now been approved and will be developed under the current year’s budget. That will broaden access to treatment.”
He emphasised that prevention efforts will amount to little if access to illicit drugs remains open and easy. “Put simply, 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. This is a task we have continued to pursue diligently, deploying every resource at our disposal.
“Over the past four and a half years, we have arrested 66,085 offenders—including 94 identified drug barons. Our Operation Offensive Action has yielded tangible results, including the seizure of 11,143,717.44kg assorted illicit drugs with life sentences now being secured in court while a total of 12,201 offenders have bagged various jail terms within the same time frame,” Marwa disclosed.
He expressed gratitude to the individuals and institutions that have shown determination and resolve in helping to stem the tide of drug abuse in Nigeria. “We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His administration has provided the NDLEA with robust backing. We are also grateful to the National Assembly—particularly the Chairmen and members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Drugs and Narcotics—who have been steadfast allies of the agency.
“Similarly, the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum and the MTN Nigeria Foundation have proven to be valued partners in progress. To the UNODC, INL, DEA, UK Border Force, NCA and the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and France—thank you for your continued and meaningful support.”
In his remarks, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, stated that drug abuse is not only a public health issue 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. Ladies and gentlemen, the evidence is indeed clear that investing in prevention of illicit drug cultivation and trafficking works,” Justice Fagbemi said.
He continued: “Prevention effort must be integrated into our educational system, health care services, and criminal justice programmes. The federal government is committed to tackling the drug problem and has put in place several drug control frameworks and instruments, including action plans and strategies with the overall aim to significantly reduce the prevalence of production, trafficking, sales, and use of illicit drugs, and its attendant social, economic, and health implications.”
Similarly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, remarked: “The fight against the drug scourge is 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 action.”
The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure, stressed that prevention, treatment, and recovery must be considered essential services, not luxuries.
“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,” Toure added.
