President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, and to protect the Nigerian population from the drug epidemic.
This declaration was made during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu addressed the event's theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.” He urged all citizens to back the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign initiated by NDLEA three years ago. "I commend and urge everyone to redouble their efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country," he stated.
The President emphasized that prevention is the most powerful tool against the drug crisis, noting that it saves lives, resources, and empowers individuals to make informed choices. He asserted that investing in prevention is not just a moral obligation but a practical approach to safeguarding the future. Tinubu assured that his administration would continue to support NDLEA's efforts and work with stakeholders to ensure positive outcomes in future national drug use surveys.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) highlighted the launch of the ‘Save Our Families’ social advocacy campaign. This initiative aims to prevent drug use through early detection and intervention, with the agency's new drug test kits becoming essential in homes, schools, and workplaces. The Drug Integrity Test initiative was also introduced, targeting various groups including students, workers, and prospective couples, to foster a culture of anti-drug integrity.
Marwa emphasized the success of the WADA campaign and its role in grassroots advocacy. Between 2021 and 2024, the agency conducted numerous sensitization and education programs targeting youths both in and out of school, reaching millions of homes with anti-drug messages through various media platforms.
Outgoing UNODC Country Representative Dr. Oliver Stolpe recommended expanding the UNPLUGGED program to all secondary schools and strengthening family support mechanisms. He also stressed the need for updated national drug use surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing efforts.
Minister of Education Prof Tahir Mamman supported the NDLEA's drug test campaign in schools, calling for compulsory and sustained testing throughout students' educational periods. Additionally, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Hon. Abass Adigun, called for increased budgetary provisions for NDLEA.
Various other officials, including representatives from the Senate, Attorney General of the Federation, and private sector leaders, echoed the call for stronger collaboration and support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
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