The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to tackle illicit drug use and trafficking through stronger enforcement, expanded rehabilitation services and closer collaboration among stakeholders.
The commitment was made on Wednesday at the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja, where government officials, security agencies, development partners and civil society organisations gathered to discuss strategies for addressing Nigeria’s growing drug challenge. 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).
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, said the Tinubu administration remained committed to preventing substance abuse, dismantling trafficking networks and improving access to treatment and rehabilitation.
He noted that widespread drug abuse poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s youth, undermines national security and fuels criminal activities. According to him, achieving sustainable development requires coordinated efforts to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen institutions responsible for combating drug-related crimes.
Kana added that the summit offers stakeholders an opportunity to deepen partnerships and develop practical strategies in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises resilient communities, youth empowerment and improved mental health services.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the gathering as a crucial step towards developing a coordinated National Action Plan to tackle substance abuse. While highlighting the agency’s recent successes, he stressed that government efforts alone would not be enough without the active participation of communities, families, religious and traditional leaders, development partners, civil society organisations and the media.
Marwa disclosed that over the past 18 months, the NDLEA arrested 29,262 suspects, seized more than 5.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion and secured 5,225 convictions. He added that the agency also conducted 6,645 awareness campaigns across the country, reaching nearly five million Nigerians, while 13,508 individuals received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation through its 31 rehabilitation centres.
He also pointed to the Alternative Development Initiative, which supports cannabis farmers in transitioning to legal agricultural activities and other sustainable livelihoods.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, urged participants to ensure the summit delivers measurable outcomes, saying success should be reflected in lower drug use, improved recovery rates and stronger family support systems. Representing the UNODC, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga also called for evidence-based collaboration to strengthen implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan.
