FG Intensifies War Against Drug Abuse Nationwide

According to Ireporter Online, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during the opening of the National Drug Use Summit held in Abuja.

The summit, themed “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action,” was organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to develop stronger strategies against the growing drug challenge in the country.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary for General Services in the Office of the SGF, Dr Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains determined to tackle drug abuse and protect Nigerians, particularly young people, from its damaging effects.

He stated that the government would continue to support initiatives focused on preventing drug use, disrupting trafficking operations and providing support for individuals affected by addiction.

The SGF noted that sustainable national development would be difficult to achieve if young Nigerians remain vulnerable to drug abuse or if criminal groups involved in drug trafficking continue to weaken institutions.

He added that the summit provides a platform for government agencies, development partners and stakeholders to collaborate on practical solutions to address the drug crisis.

Akume further explained that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is working towards strengthening communities, improving mental health services, empowering youths and enhancing institutions responsible for addressing social challenges.

He commended the NDLEA, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the UNODC for bringing together key stakeholders to develop a coordinated response to drug abuse and trafficking.

Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the summit was designed to encourage collective action and provide a national framework for tackling substance abuse and drug use disorders.

Marwa said the gathering followed activities marking World Drug Day and reflected the commitment of stakeholders to addressing Nigeria’s evolving drug situation through evidence-based solutions.

He acknowledged that while the NDLEA had recorded significant achievements in reducing drug supply and demand, the scale of the challenge required cooperation from government institutions, communities, families, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the private sector and the media.

The NDLEA boss revealed that within the last 18 months, the agency arrested 29,262 suspected drug offenders, seized over 5.3 million kilograms of illicit substances valued at more than N1.5 trillion, and secured the conviction of 5,225 individuals.

He added that the agency conducted 6,645 drug awareness campaigns across schools, markets, motor parks, workplaces, worship centres, correctional facilities and communities, reaching nearly five million Nigerians.

Marwa also disclosed that 13,508 drug users received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation services through the agency’s 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide during the period under review.

He further highlighted the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Initiative, which supports cannabis farmers in transitioning from illegal cultivation to lawful and sustainable means of livelihood.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, stressed that the summit must produce practical outcomes capable of reducing drug abuse, improving access to treatment and helping families affected by substance-related challenges.

Pate assured that his ministry would continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders to achieve measurable progress in addressing the issue.

Representing the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, Dr Akanidomo Ibanga commended the partnership among government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector in tackling drug-related challenges.

Ibanga warned that changing patterns of drug use and the emergence of new substances required faster and more effective responses from stakeholders.

He noted that the summit would contribute to strengthening the implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan through coordinated actions and policies aimed at achieving lasting results.

The event brought together representatives from federal ministries, security agencies, the military, development organisations, non-governmental organisations and civil society groups, all committed to building a stronger national response against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.