By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
ESCALATING DRUG abuse and illicit trafficking remain critical concerns in Nigeria, driving a renewed commitment from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in tackling these challenges.
The international body has reaffirmed its partnership with the NDLEA to enhance drug law enforcement and expand successful interventions nationwide.
During a courtesy visit to the NDLEA’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, 5th February 2025, UNODC’s new Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure, led a delegation to meet with the agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd).
Toure acknowledged the NDLEA’s leadership role in drug enforcement across Africa, particularly in West Africa, and emphasised the need to intensify efforts at the state level, where drug-related activities contribute to security threats.
Toure stressed the urgency of strengthening collaboration, stating, “It is crucial to reinvigorate our relationship with the NDLEA to ensure our collective efforts serve Nigeria and the broader West African sub-region effectively.
The NDLEA has been instrumental in facilitating UNODC’s implementation in Nigeria, and we aim to develop a more comprehensive plan to support the ongoing execution of the National Drug Control Master Plan.”
He further highlighted the importance of capacity building for West African nations, urging the NDLEA to take the lead in knowledge sharing and regional collaboration.
“We want to see how NDLEA can extend capacity-building initiatives to neighbouring countries to foster best practices in combating drug abuse and trafficking,” Toure added.
Marwa expressed appreciation for UNODC’s continuous support, outlining key achievements in drug supply and demand reduction over the past four years.
He noted that international partnerships have played a vital role in these successes but stressed the need for sustained collaboration to address emerging challenges.
The NDLEA chief urged UNODC to support the agency’s Alternative Development Programme, the first of its kind in Africa, which aims to provide alternative livelihoods for cannabis farmers.
“If we can offer viable economic alternatives, it will benefit both the affected individuals and society at large. Greater collaboration in this area would be highly beneficial,” he stated.
Marwa also underscored the need for an updated drug use survey, as the last comprehensive assessment was conducted in 2018. “Understanding current drug use trends is crucial for effective policy formulation.
A re-evaluation will help determine the prevalence of drug abuse and emerging patterns,” he explained, recalling previous discussions with UNODC leadership on the necessity of updated research.
Another pressing issue highlighted was the upcoming revision of the National Drug Control Master Plan.
The current framework, covering 2021–2025, is due for an update, requiring extensive collaboration to ensure its effectiveness in addressing Nigeria’s evolving drug challenges.
Additionally, Marwa stressed the importance of continued capacity building and training for NDLEA personnel.
“Our workforce is the backbone of our operations. Strengthening capacity through master trainers and enhanced skill development will enable us to sustain our impact,” he said.
He also appealed for additional field test kits, which are crucial for on-the-spot drug analysis and law enforcement operations.
A statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA on Wednesday 5th February 2025, notes that with UNODC’s renewed commitment and NDLEA’s strategic focus, both organisations aim to reinforce efforts in curbing drug abuse and trafficking while extending support to other West African nations.
He adds that this strengthened partnership signals a proactive approach to addressing the drug crisis and enhancing security across Nigeria.
