Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), has outlined efforts to curb substance abuse and illicit drug production and trafficking.
He said his organisation is planning an alternative development strategy to drive drug cartels out of business and protect the environment against adverse effects of the unwholesome trade.
The NDLEA boss made the disclosure at the third committee session of the ongoing 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States of America.
His words: “Cartels involved in illicit drug cultivation are causing deforestation, resulting in environmental degradation.
“In search of a lasting solution, we are working to implement an alternative development plan. This will provide cannabis farmers with better options, like agricultural loans and improved seedlings.
“The increasing online activities of drug traffickers, particularly on the dark web, after the COVID-19 pandemic, have become a great source of concern. This will require collaboration and capacity-building to neutralise the growing threat. Nigeria is also strengthening its legal framework through ongoing amendments to relevant drug laws.
“Our bilateral and multilateral cooperation efforts have been expanded through the signing and renewal of memoranda of understanding with countries and agencies. This has helped to deepen intelligence sharing, exchange programmes, joint operations and capacity building, among others.”
Marwa promised that the anti-narcotics agency would continue to identify gaps and build bridges, both in dismantling drug trafficking cartels and providing access to treatment and counselling services.
He went on: “More policies to protect vulnerable groups such as women, children and displaced persons will be implemented. To maintain a clear lead over drug trafficking groups, we will continue to engage in thoughtful regulations and targeted strategic law enforcement that are intelligence-led and human rights-centred.
“We will also leverage stakeholder collaboration, as we make progress in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). No stone must be left unturned, and no community, group, or individual must be left behind. We must extend the fight against drugs on all fronts, and ensure that our communities are safe, healthy and peaceful.”
He added that Nigeria is adopting a whole-of-society approach to counter challenges of drug trafficking in line with the 2030 SDGs agenda, which seeks to promote the rule of law, health, peace and justice.
