By Oluwakemi Kindness
International partners including the European Union (EU), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and ECOWAS have pledged support for Nigeria’s new drug control strategy.
The commitment was made on Monday in Abuja at a National Drug Control Master Plan forum organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The meeting is focused on Nigeria’s 2026–2030 drug control plan.
E.U Deputy Head of Delegation, Zissimos Vergos, said drug trafficking is a global threat that requires stronger international cooperation, adding that Nigeria’s stability is linked to global security.
UNODC representative, Chiekh Ousmane Touré, said drug networks are becoming more advanced with the use of synthetic drugs, encrypted platforms, and the dark web.
He said Nigeria must adopt a modern, data-driven response to tackle emerging threats.
ECOWAS also backed the plan, saying Nigeria’s strategy will support wider regional drug control efforts across West Africa.
NDLEA Chairman, Mohammed Buba Marwa, warned that drug use in Africa could rise by 40 percent by 2030.
He said Nigeria is facing growing threats from synthetic drugs, prescription abuse, and organised trafficking networks.
Marwa added that the new plan will focus on cutting drug supply chains and addressing the root causes through job creation and alternative livelihoods.
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, called for stronger collaboration across education, health, and security sectors.
The NDLEA said the plan will strengthen Nigeria’s drug control system and improve national coordination over the next five years.
