NDLEA, UNODC Seek States’ Participation In Fight Against Illicit Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have called for more public and state participation in the fight against illicit drugs and substances in Nigeria.

Both agencies stated this at a joint press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, when they announced a week of activities to commemorate 2025 World Drug Day.

Speaking at the event, chairman/chief executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig Gen Mohammed Marwa (rtd) said, “As we enter another United Nations year focused on prevention, it is vital to stress that the responsibility of shielding our citizens from harmful substances does not rest solely on the shoulders of the NDLEA. It is a collective duty—one that demands the involvement of all, including the general public. On our part, we shall intensify our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiatives to further support families, schools, communities, workplaces, places of worship, associations, and trade unions in raising awareness on the dangers of illicit drug use and how to avoid falling victim.”

Marwa further said that each year, the World Drug Day is guided by a unique theme that shapes the global response to the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking over the following 12 months, adding that this year’s theme “will once again serve as a framework for our awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and community outreach efforts. The theme for this year is: The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

While reading out the activities lined up for the week, Marwa said, “We have lined up a variety of impactful activities beginning with today’s press briefing and culminating in the grand finale on June 26.

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These events are designed to raise public awareness, encourage dialogue, and galvanise collective action towards combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

“On Friday, June 20, we will hold a Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja. The following day, Saturday, 21st of June at 8 am, we will stage a Walk Against Drug Abuse in collaboration with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja at the University campus in Gwagwalada.

“On Sunday, 22nd of June, a Thanksgiving Service will be held at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Regional Church, Wuye, Abuja, starting at 10 am. We will begin the following week with the final stage of an Essay Competition on Monday, 23rd of June. In this round, schoolchildren will present letters they have written on the theme: ‘Why I Must Not Take Drugs.’ The event will be held at the NDLEA Conference Room at our headquarters in Jahi. The day will also include various NGO-led activities focused on drug prevention and youth engagement.

“Our focus on Tuesday, 24th of June, will be on out-of-school youth. To this end, we will conduct an outreach campaign in markets and motor parks across the FCT Area Councils, beginning at 8 am. Finally, on Thursday, 26th of June, which marks World Drug Day, we will hold the grand finale—a commemorative event at the State House Conference Centre, commencing at 9 am.”

Also speaking at the briefing, UNODC country representative, Cheikh Ousman Toure, represented by the deputy head of UNODC in Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, emphasised the importance of preventive measures in addressing the global drug use problem.

He said, “The illicit drug trade is deeply connected to other crimes, including human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction. Its proceeds often finance violent extremist groups, further destabilising affected regions. Together these interconnected crimes are part of a vicious circles that entrench poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness and addiction.”