By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
NIGERIA HAS called on the international community to close ranks and confront criminal drug networks undermining global peace, stability, and security.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), made the call while addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Plenary Session of the Third Committee in New York, United States, on Monday, 13 October 2025.
According to Marwa, the illicit drug trade has become a transnational threat that no single nation can tackle alone. “Given the transnational nature of the drug problem, Nigeria prioritises international cooperation and intelligence sharing,” he said.
“We have signed memoranda of understanding with several countries and maintain strong partnerships with the UNODC, EU, DEA, INL, NCA, BKA, and others.
These collaborations have led to major seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions — all with full regard to human rights.”
He emphasised that the world must unite in its resolve to defeat criminal syndicates. “The world can no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade,” he declared. “We must stand together — resolute and united — to dismantle the networks that threaten our peace, stability, and collective future.”
Marwa noted that the 80th UNGA Plenary Session of the Third Committee had rightly recognised the global drug problem as a multidimensional challenge requiring coordinated and collective action.
He explained that Nigeria had adopted strategic, evidence-based interventions to curb the menace through strengthened law enforcement and improved rehabilitation measures.
“We have reinforced measures against money laundering linked to drug proceeds while expanding care and support for individuals affected by drug use through treatment in rehabilitation centres, opioid substitution therapy, and safer needle exchange programmes,” he stated.
The NDLEA chief highlighted cannabis as the most commonly abused drug in Nigeria.
He said the agency had launched the Alternative Development Programme, aimed at helping communities transition from illicit cannabis cultivation to legitimate sources of livelihood.
The initiative, he said, also promotes food security and environmental protection.
“Our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative continues to mobilise all sectors of society in nationwide sensitisation, reinforcing collective responsibility in protecting families and communities from the dangers of drug abuse,” Marwa added.
He further disclosed that Nigeria was addressing emerging threats such as new psychoactive substances and the use of the Dark Web for drug trafficking.
“Nigeria is taking decisive action against the illicit production and trafficking of methamphetamine by preventing the diversion of precursor chemicals and dismantling clandestine laboratories,” he said.
In a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, Marwa pointed out that the implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan had strengthened inter-agency collaboration and produced measurable outcomes.
“The effective implementation of our National Drug Control Master Plan has strengthened collaboration among stakeholders and yielded measurable results,” he affirmed.
He also underscored Nigeria’s commitment to advancing social justice and support for individuals struggling with addiction.
“Nigeria operates a 24/7 toll-free drug call centre, staffed by professionals offering counselling in major Nigerian languages. This service bridges the treatment gap and combats stigma associated with drug use,” Marwa explained.
The NDLEA, he said, remains steadfast in its mission to protect communities, safeguard public health, and ensure that Nigeria continues to contribute to the global fight against illicit drugs through partnership and accountability.
