FG REAFFIRMS RESOLVE TO CRUSH DRUG CARTELS AS NDLEA, PARTNERS LAUNCH NATIONAL DRUG USE SUMMIT

FG REAFFIRMS RESOLVE TO CRUSH DRUG CARTELS AS NDLEA, PARTNERS LAUNCH NATIONAL DRUG USE SUMMIT 
By Jennifer Nwosu 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its' commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation and protecting the wellbeing of Nigerians as key stakeholders gathered in Abuja for the 2026 National Drug Use Summit aimed at strengthening the country's response to substance abuse.

In a statement released by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the summit provides a strategic platform for government institutions, development partners, civil society, health professionals and security agencies to develop a coordinated National Action Plan capable of addressing the growing challenge of illicit drug use and trafficking across Nigeria.

The summit, themed "Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action," was jointly organised by the NDLEA, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to preventing illicit drug use, dismantling trafficking networks, expanding rehabilitation services and promoting public health. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume stressed that no nation can achieve sustainable development while its' youth remain vulnerable to substance abuse and organised criminal networks. He noted that the Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises resilient communities, improved mental health, youth empowerment and stronger institutions to confront emerging social challenges.
Marwa said the summit followed the successful World Drug Day activities and reflected Nigeria's determination to confront the country's evolving drug problem through evidence-based policies and stronger collaboration. He noted that while the NDLEA has recorded significant achievements in both drug supply and demand reduction, the scale of the challenge requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving government agencies, communities, families, development partners, religious and traditional institutions, the private sector, civil society and the media.

Highlighting the Agency's recent achievements, Marwa disclosed that over the last 18 months, NDLEA recorded 29,262 arrests, seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at more than ₦1.5 trillion, and secured 5,225 convictions. During the same period, the Agency conducted 6,645 public sensitisation programmes, reaching nearly five million Nigerians, while 13,508 individuals received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation through 31 NDLEA rehabilitation centres nationwide. He also highlighted the Agency's Alternative Development Initiative, which supports cannabis farmers in transitioning to legitimate agricultural livelihoods.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, urged participants to ensure the summit produces practical outcomes that reduce drug use, restore families and strengthen public health systems rather than ending with policy declarations alone.

Representing UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Touré, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to supporting Nigeria through coordinated, evidence-based interventions. He described the summit as an opportunity to translate the country's commitment under the National Drug Control Master Plan into measurable and sustainable action.

The summit attracted participants from federal ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, security institutions, the military, civil society organizations, non-governmental organisations and other critical stakeholders committed to advancing Nigeria's fight against illicit drug use and trafficking.

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