President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a collective national effort to tackle drug abuse and illicit trafficking, stressing that the campaign must extend beyond government action to involve every segment of Nigerian society.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the grand finale of the 2025 World Drug Day commemoration held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, the President urged families, faith leaders, civil society, youth groups, communities, businesses, and former addicts to actively engage in the campaign.
“This fight is not one for governments alone. It must be a national movement driven by families, faith leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, community leaders, businesses, and, crucially, people with lived experience,” Tinubu said.
He identified the root causes of drug abuse, including poverty, inequality, violence, and conflict, and called for a comprehensive response.
“To effectively tackle this problem, our approach must be holistic. We must foster peace, promote inclusive development, and uphold human rights every step of the way,” he stated.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global fight against drug trafficking and pledged to strengthen partnerships with international allies to dismantle illicit drug networks.
“We are committed to working hand in hand with all nations to end this menace and curb illicit trafficking of substances. Together, we can build a future where prevention is strong, treatment is accessible, and recovery is not just possible but celebrated,” he added.
Tinubu also pointed to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a key intervention in addressing the crisis, particularly by reducing poverty and expanding youth opportunities through initiatives such as the student loan programme.
In his remarks, Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said drug use prevention in Nigeria must now take centre stage.
“The reality around us is a strong indication, a wake-up call, for parents, guardians, and government to scale up preventive measures,” Marwa said.
He recalled that Nigeria had once been ranked among countries with the highest prevalence of drug abuse globally, warning that with a population exceeding 230 million, the nation cannot afford to let more citizens fall into addiction.
Marwa stressed the vulnerability of children and rejected the notion that drug experimentation is limited to certain social groups.
He outlined the NDLEA’s twin-track approach of drug demand reduction through education and advocacy, and drug supply control through arrests and dismantling of trafficking rings.
He further noted that efforts to prevent substance abuse must address underlying socio-economic factors and rest on pillars of social justice, education, and community support.
This year’s World Drug Day observance featured a range of activities including advocacy drives, public sensitisation, and grassroots engagement initiatives designed to stem the rise of drug abuse across the country.
