Nigerians have been urged to take full ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, as public involvement is crucial to ending the scourge.
The charge was given on Wednesday in Abuja by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), during a joint press conference with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to unveil the weeklong activities lined up to commemorate this year’s World Drug Day.
Marwa emphasised that addressing the menace of drug abuse is not the sole responsibility of the NDLEA but a collective duty that requires the involvement of everyone. He pledged the Agency’s commitment to intensifying its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy campaigns to further support families, schools, communities, workplaces, religious centres, associations, and unions in creating awareness on the dangers of drug use and how to avoid it.
He noted that World Drug Day, marked annually, is guided by a unique theme that shapes the global response to drug abuse and trafficking. This year’s theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” will frame the agency’s awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and community outreach over the next 12 months.
Marwa outlined a series of impactful activities leading up to the June 26 commemoration. These include a Juma’at service on Friday, June 20, at the National Mosque in Abuja; a Walk Against Drug Abuse on Saturday, June 21, in collaboration with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja at the Gwagwalada campus; and a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, June 22, at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Wuye.
On Monday, June 23, the final stage of an essay competition will take place at the NDLEA headquarters in Jahi, where schoolchildren will present letters on the theme “Why I Must Not Take Drugs.” The day will also feature NGO-led initiatives on drug prevention and youth engagement.
Tuesday, June 24, will focus on out-of-school youth with outreach campaigns across markets and motor parks in the FCT Area Councils. The grand finale on Thursday, June 26—World Drug Day—will be held at the State House Conference Centre from 9 a.m.
Marwa also revealed that the NDLEA has continued to record progress in arrests, convictions, and seizures. He highlighted the agency’s modernisation drive, including the integration of body cameras in field operations, and stated that the last year saw significant gains in the fight against drug traffickers and cartels.
He recounted some of the agency’s recent infrastructural strides, noting the commissioning of its first barracks in Yola, Adamawa State, in February, as well as new facilities in Kano. He said barracks projects in Abuja and Lagos are near completion.
UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Toure, represented by the Deputy Head of UNODC in Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, stressed the importance of prevention in tackling the global drug problem. He warned that the illicit drug trade is intricately linked to other crimes such as human trafficking, illegal mining, and environmental degradation, and that its proceeds often fund extremist violence that worsens regional instability.
Campisi praised NDLEA’s efforts under Marwa’s leadership and urged state governments to play a more active role in supporting drug control initiatives being coordinated by the federal agency. He said drug control cannot be centralised, and that state-level collaboration is essential to establishing effective prevention and treatment programmes.
He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its anti-drug efforts, which includes capacity building for forensic and border management, support for regional crime-fighting strategies, and assistance in dismantling criminal networks. He commended the strategic and bold leadership of Marwa, saying UNODC remains a proud partner in Nigeria’s journey toward reducing drug-related harm and restoring dignity through recovery.
