FG Reiterates Resolve to Crush Drug Cartels, Expand Treatment as Stakeholders Push National Action Plan
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to combating illicit drug use and trafficking, pledging to dismantle criminal drug networks, strengthen rehabilitation services and safeguard the wellbeing of Nigerians through a coordinated national response.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, gave the assurance at the opening of the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, describing substance abuse as a major threat to national development and youth empowerment.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained fully committed to initiatives that prevent drug abuse, disrupt trafficking networks, expand access to treatment and rehabilitation, and build healthier communities.
He stressed that no nation could attain sustainable development while its youth population remained vulnerable to drug addiction, noting that the summit provides an opportunity for government and stakeholders to deepen collaboration and develop a coordinated strategy against the growing drug menace.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda places priority on promoting mental health, empowering young people and strengthening institutions responsible for tackling emerging social challenges.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohamed Buba Marwa, said the summit was convened to galvanise a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response to Nigeria’s evolving drug problem.
He noted that while the NDLEA had recorded significant successes in disrupting drug supply chains and reducing demand, the complexity of the challenge required stronger collaboration among government agencies, communities, religious institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector and the media.
Marwa disclosed that within the last 18 months, the agency arrested 29,262 suspects, seized over 5.3 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at more than N1.5 trillion and secured 5,225 convictions.
He added that the agency also conducted 6,645 drug prevention awareness campaigns across schools, workplaces, worship centres, markets, correctional facilities and communities, reaching nearly five million Nigerians, while 13,508 drug users received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation in 31 NDLEA rehabilitation centres nationwide.
The NDLEA boss also highlighted the agency’s Alternative Development Initiative, designed to help cannabis growers transition to legitimate agricultural production and sustainable livelihoods.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, urged participants to ensure the summit delivers concrete outcomes rather than mere resolutions.
He said the real measure of success would be reflected in fewer young people taking drugs, more patients receiving effective treatment and more families being restored, while reaffirming the ministry’s readiness to coordinate national efforts.
Also speaking, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Cheikh Toure, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, called for translating commitments under Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan into practical and measurable actions.
He commended the collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society and the private sector, describing the summit as a critical platform for strengthening evidence-based responses to emerging drug use trends.
The summit, jointly organised by the NDLEA, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the UNODC, attracted participants from government ministries, security agencies, development partners, non-governmental organisations and civil society groups committed to tackling Nigeria’s drug challenge.
