Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has urged the international community to unite and take decisive action to dismantle criminal drug networks that posed a serious threat to global peace and stability.
Addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Plenary Session of the Third Committee in New York, Marwa emphasized the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to combat the illicit drug trade. He highlighted the importance of international cooperation, particularly intelligence sharing, in addressing the transnational nature of drug trafficking.
“Given the global scale of the drug problem, Nigeria prioritizes international collaboration. We have signed memoranda of understanding with several countries and maintained strong partnerships with organizations such as the UNODC, EU, DEA, INL, NCA, and BKA. These collaborations have yielded significant successes, including major drug seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions, all while respecting human rights,” Marwa stated.
In his address, Marwa underscored Nigeria’s proactive stance in responding to the drug crisis. He noted that Nigeria’s approach is multifaceted, addressing both the enforcement of drug laws and the rehabilitation of those affected by drug use.
“We are strengthening measures against money laundering linked to drug proceeds while expanding treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals affected by drug use,” Marwa said. “Our efforts include opioid substitution therapy, safer needle exchange programs, and the Alternative Development Programme, which aims to replace illicit cannabis cultivation with legitimate livelihoods.”
Marwa also discussed Nigeria’s ongoing initiatives to curb the use of new psychoactive substances and combat the rising use of the Dark Web for drug trafficking. He emphasized the country’s efforts to prevent the diversion of precursor chemicals and dismantle clandestine drug laboratories.
One of the most significant aspects of Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse, according to Marwa, is the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, a nationwide sensitization campaign designed to raise awareness and encourage collective responsibility in protecting families and communities.
“We are tackling both the drug supply and demand side. Cannabis remains the most commonly abused drug in Nigeria, and we are addressing this by engaging communities in the Alternative Development Programme, promoting food security, and protecting the environment,” he added.
Marwa also highlighted the National Drug Control Master Plan as a key framework for Nigeria’s efforts, which has led to strengthened collaboration among stakeholders and measurable results. Furthermore, the establishment of a 24/7 toll-free drug helpline, offering professional counseling in multiple Nigerian languages, aims to bridge treatment gaps and reduce the stigma surrounding drug use.
NDLEA Boss concluded his speech by calling on the global community to remain resolute in their collective fight against drug trafficking, asserting that the time for action is now. “We must stand together resolute and united to dismantle the networks that threaten our peace, stability, and collective future,” he said.
The UNGA session served as a platform for discussing global drug issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive action to address the growing drug menace that transcended borders.
