By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE ESCALATING problem of substance abuse and drug trafficking in Nigeria demands a collective societal effort, according to Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Addressing the Island Club Business Forum in Lagos on November 19, 2024, Marwa called on Nigeria’s elites to adopt a whole-of-society approach in combating the scourge.
Marwa emphasized that tackling drug abuse is not a responsibility for the government alone but for all Nigerians.
He urged the business community, parents, and institutions to take active roles in prevention, especially targeting the youth who are most vulnerable.
Advocacy, he noted, is a critical tool. “Spreading the message about the dangers of drug misuse can shield lives from the devastation of substance abuse,” he said.
Citing data from the 2021 UNODC World Drug Report, Marwa highlighted a grim forecast: a 40% rise in drug use across Africa by 2030, especially among individuals aged 25-34, fueled by population growth. He warned that without decisive action, Africa could face the world’s largest drug crisis.
Under Marwa’s leadership, the NDLEA has achieved significant milestones in drug demand and supply reduction. Over the past three years, the agency arrested 52,901 traffickers, including 52 high-profile barons, secured 9,034 convictions, and seized 8.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs.
Additionally, 1,572 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed.
Marwa acknowledged that some of those apprehended include influential figures such as businesspeople, socialites, and government officials, underscoring the entrenched nature of the problem.
He challenged the Island Club and other stakeholders to champion advocacy and preventive measures, stressing that the nation’s future depends on actions taken today.
“Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” he remarked, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s potential if the right steps are implemented.
The forum also featured insights from Prof Harry Ladapo, a consultant psychiatrist, and Prof Lere Baale, President of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, who explored the far-reaching consequences of drug abuse.
Island Club Chairman, Omoba Rotimi Olasode Martins, lauded Marwa’s dedication to addressing drug abuse. He described the crisis as a societal menace that destabilizes families and undermines Nigeria’s socio-economic structure.
Martins called for collaborative efforts to rebuild a society offering hope and opportunities, free from the grip of addiction.
The forum concluded with a unanimous call for practical and sustainable solutions, highlighting the need for holistic societal engagement to combat drug abuse effectively.
