President Tinubu Rallies Support for Drug War, Assures NDLEA of More Help

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its relentless fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. During the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, on June 26, 2024, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the critical importance of prevention in combating drug abuse.

President Tinubu emphasized the necessity of drug test kits in homes, schools, and offices to curb the spread of substance abuse. He praised the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, launched three years ago, and urged all citizens to intensify their efforts in this national battle. President Tinubu assured that the Renewed Hope Agenda places youth protection at its core, aiming to shield young Nigerians from the devastating impact of drugs. “Illicit drugs have wreaked havoc on individuals, families, and communities. Prevention is our most potent weapon, saving lives and resources that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation,” he asserted.

Investing in Prevention says President Tinubu: A Moral and Strategic Imperative

In his speech, President Tinubu underscored the importance of investing in prevention as both a moral obligation and a strategic approach to safeguarding the nation’s future. By channeling resources into evidence-based prevention programs, the administration aims to break the vicious cycle of drug abuse and shield the youth from this pervasive menace. “Prevention empowers individuals to make informed choices, promotes healthy lifestyles, and builds resilient communities capable of withstanding the pressures of drug abuse,” he noted.

The President Tinubu called for prioritizing evidence-based prevention strategies, allocating adequate resources, and fostering partnerships for greater impact. This comprehensive approach is expected to produce positive results in the next national drug use survey. He assured that his government would continue to support NDLEA in building on the successes recorded in recent years. “We will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure favorable statistics in future drug use surveys,” President Tinubu promised, highlighting the administration’s commitment to a drug-free Nigeria.

President Tinubu: A National Call to Action

President Tinubu extended a heartfelt call to all Nigerians to unite in the fight against drug abuse. He appealed to religious leaders, traditional leaders, educational institutions, opinion leaders, and civil society organizations to join hands in this noble cause. The NDLEA’s WADA social advocacy initiative was cited as a formidable platform for cooperation, aiming to engage all segments of society in the drug war.

The President Tinubu speech on World Drug Day serves as a rallying cry for national solidarity and action against the drug scourge. He stressed that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility, requiring the active participation of all patriotic citizens. “This is an assignment for all patriotic citizens of this country,” President Tinubu declared, urging everyone to contribute to the national effort to combat drug abuse and trafficking. The administration’s comprehensive strategy and firm support for the NDLEA signify a renewed commitment to creating a drug-free Nigeria, fostering a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future for all.

NDLEA Launches ‘Save Our Families’ Social Advocacy Campaign

In his welcome remarks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), introduced the ‘Save Our Families’ campaign, a social advocacy initiative launched by the President. This campaign aims to prevent and tackle drug use through early detection and intervention. Central to this initiative are the Agency’s newly produced special drug test kits, which are envisioned to become essential in every home, school, and workplace across Nigeria.

According to Marwa, the Agency has launched the Drug Integrity Test initiative, anticipated to foster an anti-drug culture among Nigerians. This test is intended for various groups, including secondary school students, students seeking admission to tertiary institutions, returning students, workers in both government and private sectors, individuals seeking political offices, and prospective couples. The primary goal is to use the drug test as a tool for the prevention and early detection of drug use, which allows for timely intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Marwa highlighted that the drug integrity test has already been adopted by some government institutions and tertiary institutions in the country as a preventive measure against drug abuse.

Tackling Drug Abuse: NDLEA’s Comprehensive Strategy

Addressing the theme of this year’s World Drug Day, Marwa emphasized that drug use prevention lies at the heart of NDLEA’s strategy to combat the drug problem. He stated that prevention is far more effective and cost-efficient than dealing with the consequences of drug abuse. The NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative is a crucial component of this strategy. WADA is a sensitization and advocacy program that engages various stakeholders, including government sectors, institutions, NGOs, and community leaders, to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

Marwa proudly stated that the WADA program has been a tremendous success, serving as an effective tool for advocacy and social action. Between 2021 and 2024, the NDLEA conducted 6,423 sensitization and education programs targeting young people in schools and 987 programs for out-of-school youths. These efforts aimed to create awareness about the dangers of drug use and reached millions of homes through impactful media campaigns. Additionally, the NDLEA provides counseling and treatment for drug users across its 30 treatment and counseling centers nationwide, having treated 33,453 individuals over three and a half years.

Strengthening Efforts and Collaborations Against Drug Trafficking

Marwa also highlighted the NDLEA’s relentless efforts to cut off illicit drug supply channels and dismantle trafficking networks. He emphasized that cutting off drug supplies denies users, including insurgents, terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, access to these substances, thus reducing criminal activities. The magnitude of NDLEA’s efforts is reflected in the statistics: the Agency has arrested 52,901 drug traffickers, including 48 barons, and secured over 9,000 convictions in three and a half years. Additionally, the NDLEA has seized 7.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances during this period.

Outgoing UNODC Country Representative, Dr. Oliver Stolpe, recommended expanding the successful school-based drug prevention program UNPLUGGED to all 28,000 public and private secondary schools in Nigeria. He also stressed the need to enhance resilience against drug use among out-of-school children through sports-based initiatives and to strengthen families in recognizing and addressing drug use. Furthermore, Stolpe called for a repeat of the 2018 national drug use survey to assess the long-term impact of these collective efforts.

Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, expressed the ministry’s support for NDLEA’s drug test campaign, emphasizing the importance of starting prevention efforts within the education sector. He called for compulsory and sustained drug testing at all educational levels. Additionally, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Hon. Abass Adigun, advocated for increased budgetary provisions for the NDLEA to support its multi-faceted mandate, a sentiment echoed by other notable figures at the event.