…Hails NDLEA’s global successes

…Says Nigeria strengthening border security, forensic science, intelligence to outpace criminal networks

… Commends Marwa and officers for earning global respect through anti-drug campaign

President Bola Tinubu on Friday declared that Nigeria will intensify the deployment of technology, intelligence, forensic science and coordinated international partnerships to combat the evolving threat of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.

The President also paid glowing tribute to the leadership and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), saying their courage, professionalism and operational successes have earned Nigeria international recognition in the global fight against narcotics.

Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), at the grand finale of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abuja, Tinubu said his administration remains committed to tackling both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem through innovative and evidence-based strategies.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the President warned that the global narcotics trade has become increasingly sophisticated, requiring governments to remain vigilant, adaptive and united.

He noted that substance abuse is no longer merely a public health issue but a growing threat to families, education, economic productivity and national security.

“My administration remains committed to creating an environment in which young Nigerians can thrive and succeed. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are expanding access to education, promoting skills development, supporting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and implementing social interventions that address the underlying factors that make individuals vulnerable to substance abuse and criminal recruitment,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that prevention must be complemented by an aggressive crackdown on trafficking networks.

“Reducing demand must be matched by decisive action to disrupt supply. This requires stronger border management, enhanced surveillance of ports, airports, seaports and land crossings, improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration among national, regional and international law enforcement agencies. Criminal organisations operate across borders, and our response must be equally coordinated and effective,” he stated.

The President said science, innovation and data analytics have become indispensable weapons against organised drug crime.

“We must strengthen our capacity to collect, analyse and apply data so that emerging trends are identified early, interventions are properly evaluated and strategic decisions are informed by facts.

“As illicit drug markets evolve, our ability to detect and identify drugs and precursor chemicals must evolve as well. Strengthening forensic laboratories, enhancing technological capabilities and supporting scientific research will remain essential if we are to stay ahead of emerging threats.”

He added that the criminal justice system would continue to receive the support required to ensure that drug traffickers are effectively investigated, prosecuted and brought to justice.

Tinubu reserved special commendation for NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), and the agency’s officers for what he described as their outstanding commitment to safeguarding the nation.

“I wish to commend the officers, men and leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency under the able leadership of Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd). Their dedication, courage and professionalism have yielded remarkable achievements in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts, earning Nigeria recognition and respect across Africa and the international community,” the President said.

He reminded Nigerians that the drug menace is a shared global challenge that requires collective responsibility, urging governments, civil society organisations, development partners, communities and citizens to work together in building safer and healthier societies.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Celebrating Progress and Inspiring Collective Action Against Drug Abuse,” Professor Oluwatoyin Odeku of the Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, said Nigeria has recorded measurable progress in the war against illicit drugs over the past five years.

“When the NDLEA was re-energised in 2021, many believed the drug war was unwinnable. Today, the evidence tells a different story. We have every reason to celebrate the progress made while remaining committed to sustaining the momentum,” she said.

Also speaking, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Toure, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, praised the Federal Government’s balanced approach to drug control.

He said the leadership demonstrated by the NDLEA, the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to evidence-based, human rights-centred drug control policies.

“UNODC remains firmly committed to supporting Nigeria through technical expertise, strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that respond to realities on the ground,” he said.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and other stakeholders, all reaffirming their support for Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign