…highlights Nigeria’s achievements and initiatives in combating drug trafficking
Buba Marwa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has called on the global community to unite with determination in dismantling the criminal drug networks that jeopardize peace, security, and the shared future of nations.
Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee Plenary Session in New York, Marwa emphasized that the world can no longer tolerate being held hostage by the illegal drug trade.
He stressed, “Considering the cross-border nature of drug trafficking, Nigeria places great importance on international collaboration and intelligence exchange.”
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Marwa noted that Nigeria has formalized partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding with numerous countries and maintains robust cooperation with organizations such as the UNODC, European Union, DEA, INL, NCA, and BKA.
“These alliances have resulted in significant drug seizures, the capture of prominent traffickers, and successful legal actions – all conducted with strict adherence to human rights standards,” he added.
“Madam Chair, the illicit drug trade must no longer hold the world captive. We need to stand firm and united to dismantle the networks threatening our peace, stability, and collective future.”
Marwa highlighted that the theme of the 80th UNGA Third Committee session aptly acknowledges the complexity of the global drug crisis, which demands coordinated and unified responses. Nigeria is actively implementing strategic, evidence-driven measures to tackle this challenge.
“We have enhanced efforts to combat money laundering linked to drug profits, while expanding support services for those affected by drug use through rehabilitation programs, opioid substitution therapy, and safer needle exchange initiatives,” he explained.
“Cannabis remains the most widely abused substance in Nigeria. To combat this, we are rolling out the Alternative Development Programme, which encourages communities to shift from illegal cannabis farming to sustainable livelihoods, simultaneously promoting food security and environmental conservation,” Marwa added.
He also mentioned the ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which mobilizes all sectors of society nationwide to raise awareness and foster collective responsibility in safeguarding families and communities from drug-related harms.
“We are addressing emerging threats such as new psychoactive substances and the exploitation of the Dark Web for drug trafficking. Nigeria is taking firm steps to curb the illicit manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine by controlling precursor chemicals and dismantling secret laboratories,” he stated.
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“The successful execution of our National Drug Control Master Plan has enhanced stakeholder collaboration and produced tangible outcomes,” Marwa said.
“In promoting social justice, Nigeria operates a 24/7 toll-free drug helpline staffed by experts who provide counseling in major Nigerian languages. This initiative helps close the treatment gap and reduces the stigma surrounding drug use,” he concluded.