by In a clarion call to all Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking must evolve into a national movement, not just a government initiative. This message was delivered at the grand finale of the World Drug Day 2025 commemorative events, held at the Presidential Villa Conference Centre, Abuja on June 26, 2025.
Represented by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global effort to curb drug abuse, while praising the relentless work of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.).
🇳🇬 NDLEA: A Global Model in Drug War
The president applauded the NDLEA’s twin approach—reducing drug supply while increasing public awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation across the nation. These efforts, he noted, have attracted international commendations and opened doors for greater collaboration with global partners.
He emphasized that tackling drug abuse must include families, religious leaders, civil society, businesses, youth organizations, and people with lived experience. “Their voices matter. Their leadership is essential,” he stressed.
Tinubu further linked the drug crisis to poverty, inequality, and social unrest, underlining the need for a holistic approach that promotes peace, development, and human rights.
🌍 ‘Renewed Hope’ and Strategic Youth Support
President Tinubu highlighted initiatives like:
- Student loan schemes (NELFUND)
- Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme
- Security and social support systems
These, he said, are crucial parts of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at reducing the root causes of drug use—especially among Nigeria’s youth.
🛡️ NDLEA Boss Marwa: Prevention Is Critical
Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa warned that Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest drug abuse rates globally. With a population of over 230 million, Marwa urged urgent action to prevent more people—especially youth—from falling into drug use.
He stressed the importance of parental guidance, school-based prevention, and community leadership. The NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign is already working with schools, religious bodies, and local institutions to provide long-term solutions.
📊 Impact in Numbers:
- 66,085 arrests, including 94 drug barons
- Over 11 million kilograms of illicit drugs seized
- 12,201 convictions secured in 4.5 years
- Life sentences now being handed out for major traffickers
Marwa also thanked partners including the UNODC, DEA, INL, UK Border Force, France, and Germany for their continued support.
⚖️ FG Reaffirms Legal Commitment to Drug Control
Also present at the event, Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), warned that drug abuse isn’t just a health issue—it’s a threat to national security and youth potential. He affirmed that Nigeria has adopted frameworks and legal strategies to curb drug production, sales, and trafficking.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, added that this is “a war of necessity, not convenience.” He called on Nigerians to see every life lost to addiction as a collective failure—and a call to action.
✊🏽 Final Word: A Movement Begins With Us
The resounding message from World Drug Day 2025 is clear: Nigeria cannot win this fight alone. It will take the unity of families, communities, governments, and global partners to dismantle the systems that feed addiction.
The time to act is now—and the war against drug abuse must begin at home, in schools, and in every corner of society.
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