Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has called on the international community to unite and act decisively to dismantle criminal drug networks that imperil global peace and stability.
Addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly Plenary Session of the Third Committee in New York on Monday, October 13, 2025, Marwa asserted that the world can no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade.
Prioritizing International Cooperation
Highlighting the cross-border nature of the drug challenge, Marwa stated that Nigeria prioritizes international cooperation and intelligence sharing. The country has established Memoranda of Understanding with multiple nations and maintains robust partnerships with international agencies, including the UNODC, EU, DEA, INL, NCA, and BKA.
These collaborations, Marwa noted, have yielded significant results, leading to “major seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions — all with full regards to human rights.”
Nigeria’s Multi-Faceted Response
Recognizing the drug problem as a multidimensional global challenge, Marwa detailed Nigeria’s strategic and evidence-based interventions to curb the menace:
Financial Crime: Measures have been strengthened against money laundering linked to drug proceeds.
Care and Support: Nigeria is expanding care for individuals affected by drug use through treatment in rehabilitation centers, opioid substitution therapy, and safer needle exchange programs. A 24/7 toll-free drug call center, staffed by professionals offering counseling in major Nigerian languages, is operational to bridge the treatment gap and combat stigma.
Cannabis Control: With cannabis being the most commonly abused drug, Nigeria is implementing the Alternative Development Programme. This initiative engages communities to replace illicit cultivation with legitimate livelihoods, promoting food security and environmental protection.
Public Awareness: The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative mobilizes all sectors of society in nationwide sensitization campaigns, emphasizing collective responsibility for protecting communities.
Emerging Threats: Nigeria is proactively tackling new challenges, including New Psychoactive Substances and the use of the Dark Web for trafficking. Decisive action is being taken against the illicit production and trafficking of methamphetamine by preventing precursor chemical diversion and dismantling clandestine laboratories.
Marwa concluded by stressing that the effective implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan has strengthened stakeholder collaboration and produced measurable results in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
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