NDLEA, UNODC Unveil 2025 World Drug Day Activities, Call for Collective Action to Invest on Drug Prevention
Oru Leonard
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have announced a week-long program to commemorate World Drug Day 2025. The theme for this year is “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” emphasizing the importance of collective action against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The theme highlights the importance of investing in prevention to address the global drug use problem and prevent young people from falling into the drug trap.
In his speech, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, (retd), announced an array of events that will run throughout the week.
“We are also modernising our approach to the enforcement of drug laws by embedding innovation in our operations. Notably, the use of body cameras has now been fully integrated into our field activities. Overall, the past year has witnessed significant positive developments in our offensive against drug traffickers and barons.
“In the four and a half years of my leadership, the Agency has been advancing steadily on the path of reform and progress. Earlier this year, in February, we commissioned our first barracks in Yola, Adamawa State. In April, we commissioned both an accommodation facility and a rehabilitation centre in Kano. At present, the barracks in Abuja stands almost ready for commissioning, while the one in Lagos is nearing completion”, he disclosed.
Also speaking at the briefing, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousman Toure by the Deputy Head of UNODC in Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, emphasized the importance of preventive measures in addressing the global drug use problem. He said “the illicit drug trade is deeply connected to other crimes including human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction. Its proceeds often finance violent extremist groups further destabilizing affected regions. Together these interconnected crimes are part of a vicious circles that entrench poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness and addiction.”
While commending Marwa and NDLEA for doing an excellent work in Nigeria, the UNODC called on state governments to get actively involved in the efforts being coordinated by the NDLEA at the centre. “Stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated action to address supply and demand and prevent organized criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities. Most critically, we must involve the sub-nationals, the state governments must be actively involved in drug control efforts working with NDLEA and other relevant entities to ensure the availability of evidence-based preventions and treatment programmes in their states. We will not make significant progress if interventions continue to be centralized.
“This is why UNODC support to Nigeria remains resolute and multifaceted. We are working side-by-side with the government of Nigeria to build forensic and border management capacity to intercept drug flows and strengthen law enforcement capabilities; enhance regional responses to transnational organized crime through training, intelligence sharing and support for joint investigations.
“We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian government, civil society and communities in the fight to dismantle criminal chains, prevent addiction and restore dignity through recovery. We also commend the leadership of NDLEA and the chairmanship of General Marwa whose strategic and courageous efforts continue to make an impact on both supply and demand sides of this crisis. And UNODC is really proud to be a partner of this vital journey.”
NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, and UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousman Toure, emphasized the need for public and state governments to actively participate in the fight against illicit drugs.
Activities include:
– June 20: Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja
– June 21: Walk Against Drug Abuse in collaboration with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja
– June 2: Thanksgiving Service at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Regional Church, Abuja
– June 23: Essay Competition and NGO-led activities
– June 24: Outreach campaign targeting out-of-school youth
– June 26: Commemorative event at the State House Conference Centre, marking World Drug Day.
