The African Union (AU) Commission has acknowledged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as a critical player in Africa’s anti-drug efforts, declaring that the Agency’s input is indispensable to the formulation of the next continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention, covering 2026 to 2030.
This recognition was made during an assessment visit to the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, 30th June 2025, by a three-member AU delegation. The team was led by Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention, alongside Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer, and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.
Akinola explained that the purpose of the visit was to evaluate the implementation of the current AU Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025) and to gather insights that would shape the next phase of the plan.
“We’re here to understand the implementation status of the continental action plan and to gather lessons for the new plan from 2026 to 2030. Nigeria’s NDLEA is on the frontline of drug law enforcement in Africa, and we believe the new action plan would be incomplete without your contribution,” she stated.
The AU Commission delegation commended NDLEA for consistently providing critical, policy-relevant data that has informed regional strategies over the years. The team also identified key areas where technical support could be enhanced, including capacity building, forensic science, and canine detection capabilities.
Welcoming the team, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), emphasized the strategic significance of the mission. He noted that the Agency places high value on the AU’s consultative approach in developing the new action plan.
“We are particularly pleased that the AU is approaching this with a field-based, evidence-informed methodology. This ensures that the framework developed will be practical and implementable across the continent,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA Boss also raised a red flag over Africa’s growing vulnerability to drug abuse, stressing that the continent is projected to experience up to a 40% rise in drug use prevalence, compared to a global average of 10–11%.
“This disparity indicates a looming public health and security crisis. It calls for urgent, coordinated, and sustained action at the national, regional, and continental levels. We appreciate the AU’s leadership and assure you of Nigeria’s continued commitment,” he added.
The visit marked a key milestone in the AU’s ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders across member states, ensuring that its next plan of action is both inclusive and impactful.
