Escalating Drug Abuse Emerges as a National Crisis, NDLEA Warns
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has launched an ambitious program in Nigeria, aiming to enhance the country’s criminal justice system and tackle organized crime over the period from 2026 to 2030. This initiative is also designed to promote public health and reinforce the rule of law across the nation.
Sheikh Toure, the UNODC Representative to Nigeria, highlighted the program’s significance during the launch ceremony in Abuja. He expressed gratitude for the attendees’ support, which underscores a collective commitment to achieving peace, justice, and sustainable development in Nigeria as part of an integrated agenda.
The urgency of the initiative was emphasized by Toure, who noted that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, plays a crucial role in shaping not only its own future but also that of the entire continent and global community. He cited the pressing issues of illicit drug trafficking, transnational organized crime—including human trafficking, maritime insecurity, violent extremism, and systemic corruption—as serious challenges that affect families and communities, creating ripple effects beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The framework of the program is founded on decades of collaboration and thorough consultations with key stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and local communities, while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty. Officials detailed the program’s core pillars, with a primary focus on strengthening the criminal justice system, ensuring it is fair and accessible to all, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Other critical areas of focus include combating corruption and illicit financial flows, safeguarding public resources, and enhancing transparency and accountability, all key elements for national development. Additionally, the program aims to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts rooted firmly in the rule of law and human rights.
The initiative also addresses various forms of organized crime—including human trafficking and environmental crime—recognizing their detrimental impacts on security and economic stability while promoting health by expanding access to substance use disorder prevention and treatment services. Toure stressed that societal safety is intrinsically linked to the health of its population.
In a call for unity and responsibility, Toure urged government officials to show strong political commitment to the program and allocate sustainable resources to ensure its success. He noted that the challenges faced are complex and require collaboration across institutions and sectors. The ultimate goal, Toure affirmed, is to ensure that justice is not only timely but also adequately supported.
Buba Marwa, Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), echoed these sentiments, warning that drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria have reached dangerous levels, evolving into a significant public health and national security crisis. Marwa emphasized the need for a multi-faceted response, explaining that Nigeria’s drug problem is growing increasingly complex and is linked to violent crime and social unrest.
He outlined a new strategic direction that moves beyond traditional enforcement to include intelligence operations aimed at dismantling human trafficking networks, while also enhancing prevention, rehabilitation, and counseling initiatives for individuals struggling with addiction. Marwa stated that while enforcement has intensified, there is a notable shift towards prioritizing recovery and support, reflecting a more restorative approach to drug issues.
The program aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to deploy data-driven interventions and strengthen institutional health frameworks, incorporating a gender-sensitive perspective to acknowledge the unique vulnerabilities of women in the pharmaceutical industry. Looking ahead to 2030, Marwa emphasized that success should be measured not by the volume of drugs seized, but by the lives saved and the resilience of communities enhanced.
He stressed that addressing this crisis requires coordinated efforts among law enforcement, healthcare providers, educators, and civil society. Marwa expressed his appreciation to the UNODC for spearheading this initiative and reaffirmed the NDLEA’s dedication to collaborating with partners to ensure effective program implementation and community protection across Nigeria.
