The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for the urgent decentralisation of Nigeria’s drug control response and urged state governments to actively participate in efforts coordinated by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to prevent the spread of substance abuse and drug trafficking.
Speaking during a joint press briefing at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, to flag off activities marking this year’s World Drug Day, the Deputy Head of UNODC in Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, stressed the critical need for evidence-based preventive and treatment programs across states.
“Most critically, we must involve the sub-nationals, the state governments must be actively involved in drug control efforts working with NDLEA and other relevant entities to ensure the availability of evidence-based preventions and treatment programmes in their states,” Campisi said.
He warned that the country would continue to face setbacks if drug control efforts remain centralised.
“We will not make significant progress if interventions continue to be centralised,” he warned.
He further explained that drug trafficking has direct links to wider criminal networks.
“The illicit drug trade is deeply connected to other crimes including human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction. Its proceeds often finance violent extremist groups further destabilising affected regions,” he stated, adding that these interconnected crimes form “a vicious circle that entrench poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness and addiction.”
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), while unveiling the agency’s plans to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, called for increased public participation.
“It is a collective duty, one that demands the involvement of all, including the general public,” Marwa said, noting that this year’s global theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” serves as a guiding framework for Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.
According to Marwa, “As we enter another United Nations year focused on prevention, it is vital to stress that the responsibility of shielding our citizens from harmful substances does not rest solely on the shoulders of the NDLEA.”
The agency announced a weeklong program of activities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aimed at mobilizing communities and reinforcing national drug prevention strategies.
Among the scheduled events are:
A Juma’at service at the National Mosque on Friday, June 20.
A Walk Against Drug Abuse on Saturday, June 21, at the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada.
A Thanksgiving service at MFM Church, Wuye on Sunday, June 22.
An essay competition for schoolchildren on Monday, June 23, themed “Why I Must Not Take Drugs”.
Community outreach campaigns across markets and motor parks in FCT Area Councils on Tuesday, June 24 and the grand finale on Thursday, June 26, to be held at the State House Conference Centre.
Marwa added that NDLEA continues to ramp up its enforcement efforts with record seizures, arrests and convictions, alongside innovation-driven reforms.
“The use of body cameras has now been fully integrated into our field activities,” he said.
He noted that new barracks and rehabilitation centres have been built in Adamawa and Kano, with additional facilities nearing completion in Abuja and Lagos.
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