…Marwa seeks national action plan to tackle substance abuse
By Kingsley Omonobi
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating illicit drug use by dismantling drug trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and promoting the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance at the opening of the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja on Wednesday. The summit, themed “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action,” was jointly organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume said the Federal Government remained committed to initiatives aimed at preventing illicit drug use, disrupting trafficking networks, and improving access to treatment and rehabilitation.
He said no nation could achieve sustainable development if its youth population was threatened by substance abuse and addiction, stressing that criminal networks involved in drug trafficking continued to undermine national security and exploit societal vulnerabilities.
According to him, the summit provides an opportunity for stakeholders to renew their commitment, strengthen partnerships and develop coordinated strategies to address drug-related challenges.
Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, was focused on building resilient communities, promoting mental health, empowering young people and strengthening institutions responsible for tackling drug abuse and related crimes.
He commended the NDLEA, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the UNODC for convening the summit.
In his address, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the summit as a national platform for reflection, dialogue and collective action against the growing burden of drug use and substance use disorders.
Marwa said the gathering followed activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day and was intended to mobilise support for a coordinated National Action Plan to address substance abuse.
He stressed that while the NDLEA had recorded significant achievements in reducing both drug supply and demand, the scale of the challenge required a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving public institutions, communities, families, development partners, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and the media.
According to him, the agency recorded 29,262 arrests over the past 18 months, leading to the seizure of 5,305,484.88 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at more than N1.5 trillion and the conviction of 5,225 offenders.
Marwa also highlighted the agency’s prevention efforts, noting that 6,645 drug awareness and sensitisation programmes were conducted nationwide during the same period, reaching nearly five million Nigerians across schools, places of worship, workplaces, markets, motor parks, communities and correctional facilities.
He added that 13,508 drug users received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation through the NDLEA’s 31 rehabilitation centres across the country.
The NDLEA chairman also cited the launch of the Alternative Development Initiative for cannabis growers, designed to support their transition from illicit cultivation to legitimate agricultural production and other sustainable livelihoods.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration and sustained commitment would significantly reduce the burden of drug abuse in Nigeria.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, urged stakeholders to ensure the summit produced tangible outcomes rather than remaining a platform for discussions alone.
He said success should be measured by reductions in drug use, improvements in patient recovery and the restoration of families affected by substance abuse, adding that the ministry remained committed to coordinating national efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, representing the Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, commended the collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector.
He described the summit as an important opportunity to strengthen implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan through coordinated, evidence-based and practical actions.
The summit attracted participants from relevant ministries, departments and agencies, the military, security agencies, development partners, non-governmental organisations and civil society groups.
