By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Government on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illicit drug use and trafficking during the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja. Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the government pledged to dismantle drug cartels, expand treatment and rehabilitation services, and promote Nigerians’ wellbeing through coordinated national action.
FG Restates Commitment to Fight Drug Abuse
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, delivered the government’s position at the summit themed “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action.”
Akume spoke through the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to preventing illicit drug use, disrupting trafficking networks and improving access to rehabilitation.
According to him, no country can achieve sustainable development while substance abuse threatens its young population.
He added that criminal networks involved in drug trafficking continue to weaken institutions and exploit vulnerable communities.
Akume described the summit as a timely platform to strengthen partnerships and develop a coordinated response to Nigeria’s drug challenge.
He also highlighted the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it prioritises mental health, youth empowerment and stronger institutions.
Furthermore, he praised 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) for organising the summit.
Marwa Calls for Collective National Action
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said Nigeria requires a united response to address drug abuse and trafficking.
He explained that the summit followed a week-long World Drug Day programme designed to raise awareness and encourage collaboration.
Marwa noted that no single institution can defeat the country’s growing drug problem alone.
He stressed that government agencies, families, communities, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, development partners and the private sector must work together.
According to him, the summit aims to build consensus around a National Action Plan focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, data collection, policy implementation and community resilience.
NDLEA Highlights Major Anti-Drug Achievements
Marwa revealed that NDLEA recorded significant operational successes over the past 18 months.
The agency arrested 29,262 suspects and seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs valued at more than ₦1.5 trillion.
It also secured 5,225 convictions during the same period.
In addition, NDLEA conducted 6,645 awareness programmes across schools, markets, worship centres, workplaces, motor parks, correctional facilities and communities.
The campaigns reached nearly five million Nigerians with drug prevention education.
Marwa disclosed that the agency also provided counselling, treatment and rehabilitation to 13,508 drug users through its 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide.
He added that NDLEA recently introduced an Alternative Development Initiative to help cannabis growers transition to legal cash crop farming and sustainable livelihoods.
Health Minister Demands Practical Results
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, urged stakeholders to ensure the summit produces measurable outcomes.
He said success should reflect in fewer young people taking drugs, more patients receiving treatment and more families rebuilding their lives.
Pate assured participants that the Federal Ministry of Health would continue leading collaboration and implementation efforts.
UNODC Urges Action Beyond Commitments
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also called for stronger implementation of Nigeria’s drug control strategy.
The organisation’s Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, praised the collaboration among government agencies, civil society groups and development partners.
He said Nigeria faces evolving drug challenges that require urgent, evidence-based responses.
According to him, stakeholders must translate commitments under the National Drug Control Master Plan into practical and measurable actions.
Stakeholders Unite Against Drug Threat
The summit attracted representatives from federal ministries, departments and agencies, security organisations, the military, development partners, non-governmental organisations and civil society groups.
Participants focused on strengthening national cooperation to reduce drug abuse, disrupt trafficking networks and improve public health across Nigeria.
