Tinubu urges national drug fight as NDLEA reports 66,085 arrests and 11.1 million kg of drugs seized, calling for a collective effort to end substance abuse
Tinubu urges national drug fight as a shared responsibility beyond government, calling on all Nigerians to rise against the scourge of illicit substance abuse and trafficking.
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Speaking at the 2025 World Drug Day finale held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the battle as a collective crusade to safeguard Nigeria’s future.
“This fight is not one for governments alone. It must be a national movement,” the President said.
“Drug abuse is tied to poverty, inequality, violence, and conflict. To effectively tackle this problem, our approach must be comprehensive.”
Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s continued support for global anti-narcotic campaigns, stressing that international cooperation remains critical in dismantling the systems that sustain drug crimes.
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), presented a compelling performance report, revealing that the agency has arrested 66,085 drug offenders, including 94 barons, in the last 53 months.
He added that over 11.1 million kilograms of illicit substances had been intercepted, with 12,201 convictions secured and 26,393 individuals rehabilitated.
“Seven years ago, Nigeria had one of the highest global drug abuse prevalence rates. With our population now over 230 million, prevention is both urgent and essential,” Marwa stated.
He noted that the NDLEA’s dual strategies—Offensive Action and the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)—continue to disrupt criminal supply chains while promoting grassroots advocacy in schools, religious centres, markets, and workplaces.
Marwa also announced that seven new rehabilitation centres have been approved under the 2025 budget to expand treatment access nationwide.
The family plays a crucial role. Parents must be present, ask questions, and instil core values. Teachers too are vital in shaping the future.
Highlighting socio-economic triggers, Marwa linked drug abuse to poverty and unemployment, praising initiatives under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda such as the NELFUND student loans and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme as key interventions.
“The family plays a crucial role. Parents must be present, ask questions, and instil core values. Teachers too are vital in shaping the future,” he added.
President Tinubu commended the NDLEA for its globally recognised work, noting its partnerships with agencies like the UNODC, US DEA, and the governments of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, warned that drug abuse remains a threat to national security, economic stability, and social development.
He urged stakeholders to invest in prevention, treatment, and systemic reforms.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, described the crisis as “a war of necessity,” stating, “Every young Nigerian lost to addiction is a call to arms.”
Also speaking, UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Ousmane Toure stressed that treatment and recovery programmes should be regarded as “life-saving investments.”
“Together, we can break the cycle of abuse, crime, and marginalisation. Together, we can build a safer, healthier, and more hopeful Nigeria,” he said.
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The 2025 World Drug Day event brought together actors from government, civil society, private sector, and international agencies, united in the mission to dismantle Nigeria’s narcotic crisis.
