October 14, (THEWILL) — Nigeria has renewed its call for a united global front against drug trafficking and abuse, urging decisive international action to dismantle criminal networks undermining global peace and stability.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), made the call while addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Plenary Session of the Third Committee in New York on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Marwa said the world could no longer afford to be held hostage by the illicit drug trade, stressing that the transnational nature of the problem demands global cooperation and intelligence sharing.
“Nigeria prioritizes international collaboration and has signed memoranda of understanding with several countries while maintaining strong partnerships with the UNODC, EU, DEA, INL, NCA, BKA, and others.
“These collaborations have led to major seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions — all in full respect of human rights,” he said.
He noted that the 80th UNGA session rightly recognised that the global drug problem is multidimensional, requiring coordinated and collective action.
According to Marwa, Nigeria is tackling the crisis through strategic, evidence-based interventions that address both the supply and demand sides of the problem.
“We have strengthened measures against money laundering linked to drug proceeds while expanding treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals affected by drug use, including opioid substitution therapy and safer needle exchange programmes,” he said.
Marwa, who identified cannabis as the most commonly abused drug in Nigeria, said the agency’s Alternative Development Programme engages communities in replacing illicit cannabis cultivation with legitimate livelihoods, promoting food security and environmental protection.
He also highlighted the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, which mobilises communities and institutions nationwide to reinforce collective responsibility in protecting families from drug abuse.
The NDLEA chairman further noted that Nigeria is tackling emerging threats such as new psychoactive substances and the use of the Dark Web for drug trafficking.
“We are taking decisive action against the illicit production and trafficking of methamphetamine by preventing the diversion of precursor chemicals and dismantling clandestine laboratories,” he stated.
Marwa added that the National Drug Control Master Plan has enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, leading to measurable results.
He said Nigeria also operates a 24-hour toll-free drug helpline staffed by trained professionals who provide counselling in major Nigerian languages, helping to close treatment gaps and combat stigma.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global partnerships, Marwa said victory in the fight against drug trafficking can only be achieved through shared responsibility, mutual trust, and unwavering international cooperation.
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