President Bola Tinubu has called for the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking to evolve into a national movement, stressing that only a holistic, inclusive approach can successfully tackle the scourge.
“To effectively tackle this problem, our approach must be comprehensive,” President Tinubu declared in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the grand finale of the 2025 World Drug Day commemoration held at the Presidential Villa Conference Centre, Abuja.
“We must foster peace. We must promote inclusive development. And we must uphold human rights every step of the way,” he said, emphasising the need to address the root causes of drug abuse, including poverty, inequality, and conflict.
He underscored that combating substance abuse and trafficking is not a task for the government alone but must be championed by families, civil society, youth groups, faith leaders, community organisations, businesses, and individuals with lived experience.
“Their voices matter. Their stories inspire. Their leadership is essential,” the President said.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global efforts to end drug abuse, Tinubu noted, “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 broader “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims to address socio-economic vulnerabilities.
“This has been the focus of our administration—breaking the burden of poverty, uplifting millions out of squalor, and caring for the youth through the student loan scheme and other empowerment initiatives,” he said.
President Tinubu also commended the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and its chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), for the agency’s globally recognised achievements in both drug supply and demand reduction.
“The NDLEA’s work has not only earned praise from international partners but has also drawn further support and collaboration in the global fight against substance abuse,” the President noted.
In his welcome address, Gen. Marwa painted a stark picture of the country’s drug challenge, stressing that prevention must now be treated as a national emergency.
“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,” he said.
According to Marwa, the NDLEA has adopted a two-pronged strategy: an aggressive crackdown on drug supply networks and a robust push for drug use prevention and rehabilitation.
“Over the past 53 months, we have arrested 66,085 drug offenders, including 94 identified drug barons. “We’ve seized over 11.1 million kilograms of assorted drugs and secured the conviction of 12,201 individuals”, he announced.
He further revealed that 26,393 persons had undergone counselling and rehabilitation during the period, with 30 treatment centres currently in operation and seven more approved for development in the current fiscal year.
Marwa praised the support of the Tinubu administration, the National Assembly, and international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), UK Border Force, and others.
Beyond enforcement, Marwa said, the agency has made significant strides in community-based advocacy and prevention through its flagship War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
“Every week, in all 36 states, the FCT and 14 zonal commands, WADA teams raise awareness in schools, markets, offices, places of worship and transport hubs. Through over 11,000 sensitisation programmes and weekly media campaigns, we have reached millions”, he said.
Marwa emphasised that effective parenting and responsible teaching are frontline defences in the fight against drug abuse.
“Children don’t just need money—they need the presence and guidance of their parents,” he said, calling on parents and teachers to instill values and stay engaged in their wards’ lives.
He also spotlighted the NDLEA’s 24/7 toll-free helpline and psychological support services as essential resources for those battling addiction.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, in his remarks, described drug abuse as a multidimensional threat—undermi
