Yan Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has declared that the fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria must be a national movement rather than the responsibility of the government alone.
Naija News reports that Tinubu made this known at the grand finale of a week-long programme to commemorate World Drug Day 2025, held at the Presidential Villa Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
The president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, assured that Nigeria stands firmly with the global community in the effort to tame the scourge of drug abuse and its consequences.
Tinubu commended the efforts of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), headed by Mohamed Buba Marwa, for their globally acclaimed successes not only in drug supply reduction but equally in drug demand reduction through aggressive nationwide sensitization aimed at prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of treated drug users back into their families and society.
President Tinubu noted that the efforts have not only attracted commendations from international partners and Western nations but also more support and collaboration with Nigeria in the global effort to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
He said, “Let us also be clear: 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. Their voices matter. Their stories inspire. Their leadership is essential.
“At the same time, we must not ignore the deeper roots of this crisis. Drug abuse is tied to poverty, inequality, violence and conflict. To effectively tackle this problem, our approach must be comprehensive. We must foster peace. We must promote inclusive development. And we must uphold human rights every step of the way
“We are committed to working hand in hand with all nations to end this menace and tame illicit trafficking of substances. Together, we can dismantle the systems that sustain this crisis. Together, we can build a future where prevention is strong, treatment is accessible, and recovery is not just possible—but celebrated. There is no doubt that in the past two years, this has been the focus of the renewed hope agenda of our administration; breaking the burden of poverty, uplifting millions out of squalor and caring for the needs of the masses especially our youth population through student loans scheme and other empowerment initiatives.”
In his remark at the occasion, Marwa stated that there is no better time than now for the country to take drug use prevention seriously.
He said the NDLEA has continued to strengthen prevention strategies while being ferocious in its drug supply reduction activities, noting that addressing the socio-economic drivers of drug abuse is also crucial, as a prevention strategy.
Marwa expressed gratitude to the individuals and institutions that have shown determination and resolve in helping to stem the tide of drug abuse in Nigeria.
He said, “The reality around us is a strong indication—a wake-up call—for us as parents, guardians and governments to step up preventive measures.
“For our nation, prevention is particularly critical, as we are already grappling with a serious challenge. Seven years ago, we came to the stark realisation that Nigeria had one of the highest drug abuse prevalence rates in the world.
“Today, with a population exceeding 230 million, it is both urgent and pragmatic to prevent new individuals from being drawn into the population of drug users. As parents, guardians, and leaders, we must be more vigilant and recognise that the issue of drug abuse is not distant—it is close to home. We must acknowledge that children are especially vulnerable, and we should not dismiss experimentation with illicit drugs as behaviour limited to a particular demographic.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is providing leverage to tackle such critical factors as poverty and unemployment. Initiatives like NELFUND, which offers student loans, and programmes like the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT), which improve technical skills required for digital economy employability, along with improved national security, will reduce the factors that increase the likelihood of drug abuse.
“In the final analysis, however, much responsibility rests on parenting. So, we should be looking at how to empower those invested with the role of parenting. Through our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign, we work with parents, teachers and leaders in communities, institutions and associations to spread awareness and teach how to safeguard younger generations. Our family support advocacy emphasises that children don’t just need money—they need the presence and voice of their parents and guardians. Parents must ask questions, dig deeper, and instill values.
“Over the past four and a half years, we have arrested 66,085 offenders—including 94 identified drug barons. Our Operation Offensive Action has yielded tangible results, including the seizure of 11,143,717.44kg assorted illicit drugs with life sentences now being secured in court while a total of 12,201 offenders have bagged various jail terms within the same time frame.
“We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His administration has provided the NDLEA with robust backing. We are also grateful to the National Assembly—particularly the chairmen and members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Drugs and Narcotics—who have been steadfast allies of the agency. Similarly, the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum and the MTN Nigeria Foundation have proven to be valued partners in progress.
“To the UNODC, INL, DEA, UK Border Force, NCA and the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and France—thank you for your continued and meaningful support.”
Also speaking at the event, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said drug abuse is not just a public health crisis, but a threat to national security, social stability, and economic development.
Fagbemi also stated that the federal government is committed to tackling the drug problem and has put in place several drug control frameworks and instruments, including action plans and strategies with the overall aim to significantly reduce the prevalence of production, trafficking, sales, and use of illicit drugs, and its attendant social, economic, and health implications.
He said, “Drug abuse and trafficking force organized crime undermines the rule of law and destroys the hope and future of our young people, our most precious national assets. Ladies and gentlemen, the evidence is indeed clear that investing in prevention of illicit drug cultivation and trafficking works.
“Prevention effort must be integrated into our educational system, health care services, and criminal justice programmes.”
Similarly, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, said the fight against the drug scourge is a war of necessity and not convenience.
He added, “Every life lost to addiction is not just a tragedy, it is a failure of our collective will. Every young Nigerian drawn into this abyss is a call to arms.”
The post Tinubu Declares Fight Against Illicit Drugs National Movement appeared first on Naija News.
