The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illicit drug use and trafficking through the dismantling of criminal networks, expansion of treatment and rehabilitation services, and promotion of the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Wednesday at the opening of the National Drug Use Summit 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).
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume said the Federal Government remained committed to preventing illicit drug use, disrupting trafficking networks and improving access to treatment and rehabilitation.
He said no country could achieve sustainable development if its young population was threatened by substance abuse and addiction, adding that criminal networks involved in drug trafficking continued to pose risks to national security and exploit social vulnerabilities.
According to him, the summit provides an opportunity for stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, renew commitments and develop coordinated strategies to address drug-related challenges.
Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, was focused on building resilient communities, promoting mental health, empowering young people and strengthening institutions responsible for combating drug abuse and related crimes.
He commended the NDLEA, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the UNODC for convening the summit.
In his remarks, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the summit as a platform for reflection, dialogue and collective action against the growing challenge of drug use and substance use disorders.
Marwa said the meeting followed activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day and was aimed at mobilising support for a coordinated National Action Plan to address substance abuse.
He said that while the NDLEA had recorded significant achievements in reducing drug supply and demand, the scale of the challenge required a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving government agencies, communities, families, development partners, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and the media.
According to him, the agency recorded 29,262 arrests in the past 18 months, leading to the seizure of 5,305,484.88 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs valued at more than ₦1.5 trillion, as well as the conviction of 5,225 offenders.
Marwa also highlighted the agency’s prevention efforts, saying 6,645 drug awareness and sensitisation programmes were carried out nationwide during the same period, reaching nearly five million Nigerians across schools, places of worship, workplaces, markets, motor parks, communities and correctional facilities.
He added that 13,508 drug users received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation through the NDLEA’s 31 rehabilitation centres across the country.
The NDLEA chairman also highlighted the launch of the Alternative Development Initiative for cannabis growers, which aims to support farmers in transitioning from illicit cultivation to legitimate agricultural activities and sustainable livelihoods.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration and sustained commitment would help reduce the impact of drug abuse in Nigeria.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, urged stakeholders to ensure the summit produced practical outcomes rather than remaining a platform for discussions.
Pate said the success of efforts should be measured by reduced drug use, improved recovery outcomes for patients and the restoration of families affected by substance abuse. He added that the ministry remained committed to coordinating national responses to the challenge.
Representing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, who spoke on behalf of the Country Representative, Mr Cheikh Toure, commended the collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector.
He described the summit as an opportunity to strengthen the implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan through coordinated, evidence-based and practical interventions.
The summit brought together representatives from relevant ministries, departments and agencies, the military, security organisations, development partners, non-governmental organisations and civil society groups.
