Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
Nigeria has joined the international community to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, with renewed calls for stronger, technology-driven and collaborative responses to the growing global drug challenge.
The commemoration, held in Abuja on Friday, focused on the theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” highlighting emerging threats including synthetic drugs, misuse of pharmaceutical substances and the increasing use of digital platforms by trafficking networks.At the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking through evidence-based interventions, improved enforcement strategies and preventive measures.
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President said the changing nature of the drug problem requires constant adaptation, stronger partnerships and innovative solutions.
He said the Federal Government is addressing the challenge through a multi-dimensional approach that combines drug supply reduction, prevention, rehabilitation and social development initiatives.According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda is expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through education, skills development, entrepreneurship support and employment creation, while also addressing factors that expose vulnerable groups to substance abuse and criminal activities.
Tinubu stressed the need for improved border security, intelligence sharing, surveillance of airports, seaports and land crossings, as well as stronger scientific and technological capabilities to detect evolving drug threats.
He said: “As illicit drug markets evolve, our ability to detect and identify drugs and precursor chemicals must evolve as well.”NDLEA Records Major BreakthroughsA major highlight of the World Drug Day event was the disclosure by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), that the agency seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over N1.5 trillion within the last 18 months.Marwa said the seizures followed intelligence-led operations that also resulted in 29,262 arrests and 5,225 convictions during the period.He noted that the NDLEA has, over the past five years, dismantled major trafficking networks and arrested 234 suspected drug barons linked to organised drug operations across the country.
According to him, the agency recently disrupted several transnational criminal networks, including the Amadi Simon drug cartel, through collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.He also disclosed the dismantling of a major methamphetamine production network involving a Nigerian drug kingpin, three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians, as well as the shutdown of an industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Tapa village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Marwa said the successes demonstrated that drug trafficking organisations would no longer have safe havens in Nigeria.Prevention Remains KeyThe NDLEA boss emphasised that enforcement alone cannot solve the drug problem, noting that prevention, rehabilitation and public awareness remain critical components of the agency’s strategy.He disclosed that through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, the agency conducted 6,645 sensitisation programmes across schools, communities, workplaces, markets, religious centres and correctional facilities, reaching nearly five million Nigerians.
He added that 13,508 drug users received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation through NDLEA’s 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide.Marwa further stated that the agency is strengthening its use of technology, deep-web intelligence gathering and advanced data analytics to identify emerging drug trends before they spread.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s Alternative Development Programme, designed to support illicit cannabis farmers with legitimate agricultural alternatives such as cassava, maize, cocoa and cowpea production.UN Commends Nigeria’s EffortsThe United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) commended Nigeria’s approach to drug control, describing the country’s efforts as a reflection of the need for balanced strategies that combine enforcement with prevention and treatment.
The UNODC Country Representative, Chiekh Touré, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical assistance, partnerships and innovative solutions.Delivering the guest lecture titled “Celebrating Progress and Inspiring Collective Actions Against Drug Abuse,” Professor Oluwatoyin Odeku of the University of Ibadan said Nigeria’s recent progress in drug control efforts showed that sustained interventions could produce measurable results.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to winners of the NDLEA Inter-Secondary School Essay Competition, with students recognised for promoting awareness and advocacy against drug abuse.Government officials, lawmakers, health institutions, civil society groups, development partners and community representatives attended the World Drug Day commemoration, reaffirming support for a collective response to the drug challenge.