By Rachael Martin, JKNewsMedia Reporter
National summit seeks coordinated action against illicit drug use and trafficking. . .
THE FEDERAL Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing illicit drug use, dismantling drug trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and promoting the wellbeing of Nigerians as part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the country’s growing drug challenge.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the opening of the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja on Wednesday.
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).
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to combating the menace of illicit drugs.
“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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,” he said.
Akume stressed that no nation could achieve sustainable development if its youth remained vulnerable to substance abuse and addiction, warning that criminal networks involved in drug trafficking continued to threaten national security and institutional stability.
He described the summit as a timely opportunity to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and develop coordinated strategies for building a healthier, safer and more resilient Nigeria.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu remains firmly committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of every Nigerian. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are building resilient communities, promoting mental health, empowering our young people and strengthening the institutions that must confront these emerging social challenges,” he added.
In his welcome address, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the summit as a national platform for reflection, dialogue and collective action against the rising burden of drug use and substance use disorders.
Marwa said the meeting followed a week-long programme marking the World Drug Day and underscored the need for innovative, evidence-based and collaborative responses to Nigeria’s evolving drug situation.
He noted that while the agency had recorded significant successes in reducing both the supply and demand for illicit drugs, the complexity of the problem required a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
“The scale of this challenge demands a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response that mobilises government institutions, communities, families, development partners, the private sector, religious and traditional leaders, civil society and the media,” he said.
Marwa disclosed that within the last 18 months, the NDLEA arrested 29,262 suspects, seized more than 5.3 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion, secured 5,225 convictions and dismantled several trafficking networks.
On demand reduction, he said the agency conducted 6,645 drug prevention and awareness programmes across schools, worship centres, workplaces, markets, motor parks, correctional facilities and communities, reaching nearly five million Nigerians.
He added that 13,508 drug users received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation across the agency’s 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide.
Marwa also highlighted the launch of the Alternative Development Initiative for cannabis growers, designed to support their transition from illicit cultivation to legitimate cash crop production and other sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, urged participants to ensure the summit produced measurable outcomes rather than mere declarations.
“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,” he said, pledging the ministry’s commitment to leading and coordinating national efforts.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that representing the UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga commended the collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector.
He said Nigeria’s changing drug landscape, characterised by emerging substances and evolving patterns of abuse, demanded urgent, coordinated and evidence-based interventions.
“This summit is more than a convening. It is a moment of alignment—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.
The summit attracted participants from government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners, the military, security agencies, non-governmental organisations and civil society groups.
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