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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged Nigerians and state governments to take responsibility for combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking throughout the nation.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), highlighted that protecting citizens, especially the youth, from drug abuse should be a shared responsibility, not just the burden of the agency.
Marwa made this appeal during a joint press briefing with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at the NDLEA’s national headquarters in Abuja.
The event marked the launch of a series of activities for the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commonly known as World Drug Day.
“As we approach another United Nations year focusing on prevention, it’s essential to emphasize that safeguarding our citizens from harmful substances is not solely the NDLEA's duty,” Marwa stated.
“It requires collective participation from everyone, including the public, families, communities, places of worship, and state governments.” Marwa pointed out that this year's global theme, “The Evidence is Clear:
Invest in Prevention,” will shape the agency’s awareness initiatives, stakeholder engagements, and outreach programs throughout the year.
“We will intensify our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy efforts to assist families, schools, communities, workplaces, places of worship, associations, and trade unions in raising awareness about the risks of drug use and how to avoid becoming victims,” Marwa added.
During the briefing, he outlined various activities planned for the World Drug Day observance. “On Friday, June 20, a Juma’at service will be held at the National Mosque, Abuja.
The next day, Saturday, June 21, at 8 am, we will organize a Walk Against Drug Abuse in collaboration with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja at the university campus in Gwagwalada.
“On Sunday, June 22, a Thanksgiving Service will take place at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Regional Church, Wuye, Abuja, starting at 10 am. The following week, we will kick off with the final phase of an Essay Competition on Monday, June 23, where schoolchildren will present letters on the topic: “Why I Must Not Take Drugs.”
“On Tuesday, June 24, our attention will be on out-of-school youth. We will engage in an outreach campaign across markets and motor parks in the FCT Area Councils, starting at 8 am. Finally, on Thursday, June 26, which is World Drug Day, we will host the grand finale—an event at the State House Conference Centre, starting at 9 am.”
He noted that the NDLEA continues to make strides in addressing the nation’s drug use issues, with increasing arrests, convictions, and seizures.
The NDLEA leader also highlighted the agency’s accomplishments under his leadership, including enhanced operations using body cameras, the establishment of rehabilitation centers and barracks, and ongoing efforts leading to record levels of arrests and convictions.
Additionally, the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, represented by Deputy Head Danilo Campisi, urged state governments to actively engage in drug control initiatives and ensure the provision of evidence-based prevention and treatment programs.
“The illicit drug trade is connected to other serious crimes such as human trafficking, illegal mining, and environmental degradation,” Campisi cautioned. “We must involve local governments—real changewill not occur if initiatives remain centralized.”
The UN agency praised the NDLEA for its dedication and reaffirmed its ongoing partnership with Nigeria to combat the drug crisis.
