The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to combat illicit drug use, dismantle drug trafficking networks and improve access to treatment and rehabilitation as part of efforts to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
The assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the opening of the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja, themed “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume said President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains fully committed to tackling drug abuse and its devastating impact on society.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to every initiative aimed at preventing illicit drug use, dismantling trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and promoting the wellbeing of all Nigerians,” he said.
The SGF noted that no nation can achieve meaningful development if its young population is threatened by substance abuse or criminal drug networks.
He added that the summit provides an opportunity for stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions to address the growing drug challenge.
Also speaking, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), said the fight against drug abuse requires a united national effort involving government institutions, communities, families, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners.
Marwa revealed that within the last 18 months, the agency arrested 29,262 suspects, seized over 5.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs worth more than ₦1.5 trillion, and secured 5,225 convictions.
“No single institution can successfully confront the drug problem in isolation,” Marwa said.
He also disclosed that the NDLEA conducted 6,645 awareness campaigns across Nigeria, reaching nearly five million people, while 13,508 drug users received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation through the agency’s rehabilitation centres.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, stressed that the summit must produce tangible results rather than end with speeches and communiqués.
“The measure of this summit will not be the communique. It will be the number of young people who choose not to start drugs,” he said.
Representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also commended Nigeria’s collaborative approach, urging stakeholders to translate discussions into measurable actions.
The summit brought together government officials, security agencies, development partners, civil society groups and other stakeholders to strengthen the country’s response to drug abuse and trafficking.
Source: NDLEA
