Nigeria Expands War On Drugs With Technology, Intelligence

​President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to eliminating the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking through evidence-based, innovative interventions.

​The President gave this assurance on Friday  in Abuja during the grand finale of celebrations, marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the Presidential Villa.

President Tinubu was represented at the event by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi .

​Reflecting on this year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the President emphasized that the evolving nature of the global drug problem demands constant vigilance, adaptability, and collective action.

He noted that the consequences of the drug scourge extend far beyond individual users, severely disrupting families, schools, workplaces, and overall national security.

​According to the President, the federal government is confronting these challenges through a well-coordinated, multi-faceted approach.

He said “my administration remains committed to creating an environment in which young Nigerians can thrive and succeed.

Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are expanding access to education, promoting skills development, supporting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and implementing social interventions that address some of the underlying factors that make individuals vulnerable to substance abuse and criminal recruitment.

“At the same time, we recognize that reducing demand must be matched by decisive action to disrupt supply. This requires stronger border management, enhanced surveillance of ports, airports, seaports and land crossings, improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration among national, regional and international law enforcement agencies.

Criminal organisations operate across borders, and our response must be equally coordinated and effective.”

The President noted that science, technology and reliable data have become indispensable tools in this effort, adding that “We must continue to strengthen our capacity to collect, analyse and apply data so that emerging trends are identified early, interventions are properly evaluated and strategic decisions are informed by facts.”

“As illicit drug markets evolve, our ability to detect and identify drugs and precursor chemicals must evolve as well. Strengthening forensic laboratories, enhancing technological capabilities and supporting scientific research will remain essential if we are to stay ahead of emerging threats. Our criminal justice system must continue to receive the support it needs to deal effectively with drug-related crimes.

Law enforcement officers, investigators, prosecutors and the courts all have important roles to play in ensuring that criminal organizations are disrupted and offenders are held accountable under the law”, he added.

​A major highlight of the presidential address was the high praise showered on the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA for their relentless crusade against drug cartels.

“I wish to commend the officers, men and leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency under the able leadership of Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd). Their dedication, courage and professionalism have yielded remarkable achievements in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts which have earned Nigeria recognition and respect both within Africa and across the international community,” President Tinubu stated.

The President reminded the audience that the world drug problem is a shared challenge requiring a shared response.

He called on civil society, international partners, and individual citizens to reinforce their commitments to creating safer, healthier, and drug-free societies for future generations.

Delivering the guest lecture titled “Celebrating Progress and Inspiring Collective Actions against Drug Abuse”, Prof Oluwatoyin Odeku of the Department of Pharmaceuticals and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, noted that there’s a reason to celebrate the milestones achieved in the fight against illicit drugs in the past five years.

“First, let us celebrate. Because celebration fuels courage. When NDLEA was re-energised in 2021, many thought the drug war was unwinnable. Today, the data tells a different story, and we have reasons to celebrate”, she stated.

In his remark at the event, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Representative, Chiekh Toure who was represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga commended the Federal Government for its continued commitment to addressing the drug problem through a balanced and coordinated approach.

“The leadership of institutions such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Ministry of Health, and other critical stakeholders demonstrates a growing recognition that effective drug control must integrate both supply and demand reduction, underpinned by evidence and respect for human rights. At UNODC, we are privileged to support these national efforts by advancing innovative, evidence-based responses that align with global standards and national priorities.”

He reaffirmed UNODC’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria in this critical endeavor, adding that “we stand ready to continue providing technical expertise, fostering partnerships, and promoting innovative solutions that respond to the realities on the ground.”

Others who spoke on their support for ongoing drug control efforts include the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate who was represented by Mrs. Adeola Olufowobi-Yusuf; Mandate Secretary, Health and Environment, FCTA, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe; Hon. Lanre Okunola of the House of Reps Committee on Drugs and Narcotics; representatives of NACA, and NAFDAC, among others.