By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illicit drug use and trafficking across Nigeria, pledging stronger action on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and enforcement.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Wednesday at the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja.
The summit, themed “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action,” was 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 remains committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and protecting Nigerians, especially young people, from substance abuse.
He said no nation can achieve sustainable development if its youth are trapped by drug addiction, stressing that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises public health, mental wellbeing and stronger institutions to address the growing drug problem.
Earlier in his opening remark, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), said the fight against drug abuse requires a united effort involving government, communities, families, religious leaders, civil society, development partners and the media.
Marwa revealed that in the past 18 months, the agency arrested 29,262 suspects, seized more than 5.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over ₦1.5 trillion, and secured 5,225 convictions.
He added that the agency carried out 6,645 drug prevention campaigns across schools, markets, worship centres, workplaces and communities, reaching nearly five million Nigerians. During the same period, 13,508 people received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation through NDLEA’s 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide.
The NDLEA chairman also highlighted the launch of an Alternative Development Initiative, which supports cannabis farmers to switch to legal cash crops and other sustainable livelihoods.
In his good will message, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, said the summit should produce practical results that reduce drug use, restore families and improve access to treatment, rather than ending with resolutions alone.
For the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, said Nigeria’s response to drug abuse must remain coordinated, evidence-based and focused on protecting lives and communities.
The summit brought together government ministries, security agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s response to illicit drug use and trafficking.
