Marwa to Nigerians: Take Full Ownership of Fight Against Substance Abuse, Drug Trafficking

Michael Olugbodein Abuja

Nigerians have been urged to take ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, as their input is important in efforts to end the scourge.

The appeal was made on Wednesday in Abuja by Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. BubaMarwa (Rtd), at a joint press conference with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to announce the weeklong activities to commemorate this year’s World Drug Day.

Marwa said, “As we enter another United Nations year focused on prevention, it is vital to stress that the responsibility of shielding our citizens from harmful substances does not rest solely on the shoulders of the NDLEA.

“It is a collective duty – one that demands the involvement of all, including the general public. On our part, we shall intensify our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiatives to further support families, schools, communities, workplaces, places of worship, associations, and trade unions in raising awareness on the dangers of illicit drug use and how to avoid falling victim.”

The NDLEA chairman stated that each year, the World Drug Day was guided by a unique theme that shaped the global response to the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking over the following 12 months.

He added that this year’s theme “will once again serve as a framework for our awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and community outreach efforts, with the theme for this year being, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.

Marwa said a variety of activities had been lined up for the event, beginning with the press briefing, and culminating in the grand finale on June 26.

“These events are designed to raise public awareness, encourage dialogue, and galvanise collective action towards combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” he said.

He explained, “On Friday, June 20, we will hold a Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja. The following day, Saturday, 21st of June at 8am, we will stage a Walk Against Drug Abuse in collaboration with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja at the University campus in Gwagwalada.

“On Sunday, 22nd of June, a Thanksgiving Service will be held at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Regional Church, Wuye, Abuja, starting at 10am. We will begin the following week with the final stage of an Essay Competition on Monday, 23rd of June.

“In this round, schoolchildren will present letters they have written on the theme, ‘Why I Must Not Take Drugs.’ The event will be held at the NDLEA Conference Room at our headquarters in Jahi. The day will also include a range of NGO-led activities focused on drug prevention and youth engagement.”

Marwa stated, “Our focus on Tuesday, 24th of June, will be on out-of-school youth. To this end, we will conduct an outreach campaign in markets and motor parks across the FCT Area Councils, beginning at 8 am.

“Finally, on Thursday, 26th of June, which marks World Drug Day, we will hold the grand finale – a commemorative event at the State House Conference Centre, commencing at 9am.”

He said as part of efforts to address the country’s drug use situation, NDLEA had continued on an upward trajectory in terms of arrests, convictions, and seizures.

According to Marwa, NDLEA is modernising its approach to the enforcement of drug laws by entrenching innovation in its operations.

“Notably, the use of body cameras has now been fully integrated into our field activities,” he said. “Overall, the past year has witnessed significant positive developments in our offensive against drug traffickers and barons,” he added.

He said in the last four and a half years of his stewardship at the agency, there had been a steady advancement in reforms.

Marwa disclosed that in February, the agency commissioned its first barracks in Yola, Adamawa State, and in April, it commissioned both an accommodation facility and a rehabilitation centre in Kano.

“At present, the barracks in Abuja stands almost ready for commissioning, while the one in Lagos is nearing completion,” he added.

Speaking at the briefing, also, UNODC Country Representative, CheikhToure, who was represented by Deputy Head of UNODC in Nigeria, DaniloCampisi,emphasised the importance of preventive measures in addressing the global drug use problem.

Toure said, “The illicit drug trade is deeply connected to other crimes, including human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction.

“Its proceeds often finance violent extremist groups, further destabilising affected regions. Together these interconnected crimes are part of a vicious circles that entrench poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness and addiction.”

While commending Marwa and NDLEA for doing an excellent work in Nigeria, UNODC called on state governments to get actively involved in the efforts being coordinated by NDLEA at the centre.

Toure said, “Stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated action to address supply and demand and prevent organised criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities.

“Most critically, we must involve the sub-nationals, the state governments must be actively involved in drug control efforts working with NDLEA and other relevant entities to ensure the availability of evidence-based preventions and treatment programmes in their states.

“We will not make significant progress if interventions continue to be centralised.

“This is why UNODC support to Nigeria remains resolute and multifaceted. We are working side-by-side with the government of Nigeria to build forensic and border management capacity to intercept drug flows and strengthen law enforcement capabilities; enhance regional responses to transnational organised crime through training, intelligence sharing and support for joint investigations.”

He stated, “We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian government, civil society and communities in the fight to dismantle criminal chains, prevent addiction and restore dignity through recovery.

“We also commend the leadership of NDLEA and the chairmanship of General Marwa whose strategic and courageous efforts continue to make an impact on both supply and demand sides of this crisis. And UNODC is really proud to be a partner of this vital journey.”