As SGF Akume, Marwa, Pate and UNODC Rally Stakeholders for National Action Plan Against Drug Scourge
Felix Mbata, Lagos state
In a renewed push to secure the health and future of Nigerian youths, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantle drug trafficking networks, prevent substance abuse, and expand access to treatment and rehabilitation nationwide.
The declaration was made on Wednesday, July 8th 2026, at the opening of the National Drug Use Summit themed “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action” in Abuja. The 2-day summit was jointly convened 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.
With top government officials, security agencies, development partners, and civil society gathered, the message was clear: Nigeria is moving from mere statements to coordinated, measurable action.
THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the administration remains unwavering in its resolve to protect Nigerians.
“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to every initiative aimed at preventing illicit drug use, dismantling trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and promoting the wellbeing of all Nigerians,” Akume stated. He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana.
The SGF warned that no nation can achieve sustainable development with a youth population threatened by addiction.
“No society can attain lasting peace and prosperity when criminal networks engaged in illicit trafficking continue to undermine its institutions and exploit its vulnerabilities. This summit presents a timely opportunity to renew our collective commitment and chart a clear pathway towards a healthier, safer and more resilient Nigeria,” he added.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, he said government is building resilient communities, promoting mental health, empowering youths, and strengthening institutions to confront emerging social challenges.
NDLEA: SUPPLY AND DEMAND REDUCTION IN ACTION
In his welcome address, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the summit was convened to build consensus around a coordinated National Action Plan covering prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, data, and community resilience.
He noted that the drug challenge is too big for one agency.
“The scale of this challenge demands a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response, one that mobilises government institutions, communities, families, development partners, the private sector, religious and traditional leaders, civil society and the media,” Marwa said.
Reeling out achievements, the NDLEA boss disclosed that in the last 18 months alone, the agency recorded:
- 29,262 arrests
- 5,305,484.88 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs seized, valued at over N1.5 Trillion
- 5,225 convictions
On demand reduction, Marwa said through the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA campaign, NDLEA conducted 6,645 sensitization programs in schools, markets, worship centres, and communities, reaching nearly 5 million Nigerians. Additionally, 13,508 drug users have been counselled, treated and rehabilitated across 31 rehab centres nationwide.
He also announced the launch of the Alternative Development Initiative for cannabis sativa growers, designed to support their transition to legal cash crop production and sustainable livelihoods.
HEALTH MINISTRY & UNODC: FROM WORDS TO ACTION
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, charged stakeholders to ensure the summit delivers real results.
“The measure of this summit will not be the communique. It will be the number of young people who choose not to start drugs. It will be the number of patients who sleep without pain. It will be the number of families restored. The Federal Ministry of Health stands ready to lead, to coordinate, to collaborate and to deliver,” Pate declared.
Also speaking, the UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended Nigeria’s collaborative approach.
“As the United Nations, we stand here today as one system—united in our support to Nigeria. The scale and evolving nature of drug use in Nigeria require us to act with urgency, but also with clarity and purpose. This summit is a moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to the National Drug Control Master Plan and to translate that commitment into practical, measurable action,” he said.
CONCLUSION: A CALL TO NATIONAL ACTION
The summit, attended by MDAs, the military, security agencies, NGOs, and civil society, ended with a renewed pledge: to move beyond conferences and implement a robust National Action Plan.
As Senator Akume put it, the goal is “a healthier, safer and more resilient Nigeria.” For NDLEA, the Health Ministry, and UNODC, the task ahead is to ensure that the commitments made in Abuja translate into fewer addicts, fewer traffickers, and more restored families.
With supply reduction hitting cartels hard and demand reduction reaching communities, Nigeria appears set to confront its drug scourge with the unity and urgency it demands.
Report: Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja