The Federal Government has pledged to intensify its war against illicit drug trafficking by dismantling criminal networks and increasing the availability of treatment services. During the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasized that substance abuse remains a major threat to the nation’s sustainable development and security.
Represented by Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume stated that the current administration is dedicated to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to build healthier communities and empower the youth. He noted that disrupting drug supply chains is vital for protecting society from exploitation by criminal organizations.
Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the head of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), called for a unified national response to substance abuse. He reported that in the last 18 months, the agency arrested 29,262 individuals and confiscated over 5.3 million kilograms of illicit substances worth more than N1.5 trillion. Additionally, 5,225 convictions have been secured, while thousands have benefited from counseling and rehabilitation services across 31 NDLEA centers.
Marwa also highlighted the Alternative Development Initiative, which assists former cannabis farmers in switching to legal agricultural activities. Prof. Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, urged summit attendees to focus on measurable results, such as lower addiction rates and improved family outcomes, rather than just academic discussion. Representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime praised the inter-agency cooperation and stressed the importance of evidence-based strategies in executing the National Drug Control Master Plan.
