By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Prevention First: Tinubu’s New Anti-Drug Strategy
President Bola Tinubu has announced that his administration will prioritize preventive measures to combat drug abuse across Nigeria. He emphasized that investing in prevention is a “prudent way of safeguarding our future,” as it saves both lives and resources that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation.
On Wednesday, during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, Tinubu shared this commitment at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Speaking on the day’s theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” he reiterated his support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its efforts to curb substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
With about 14.4 percent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64 affected by drug abuse, nearly three times the global average of 5.6 percent according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Tinubu’s focus on prevention is crucial. The most commonly abused substances include cannabis, opioids like tramadol and codeine, and cough syrups containing codeine or dextromethorphan.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu lamented the devastation caused by illicit drugs. He asserted, “Prevention is the most potent weapon we can deploy. It empowers individuals, promotes healthy lifestyles, and builds resilient communities.”
Tinubu promised to support NDLEA in its mission, stating, “This government will support NDLEA in building on its recent successes. We will work with all stakeholders to ensure positive outcomes in the next national drug use survey.”
He urged all Nigerians, including religious leaders, traditional leaders, educational institutions, opinion leaders, and civil society organizations, to join in this “assignment for all patriotic citizens.”
In his remarks, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd.) introduced the ‘Save Our Families’ campaign, aimed at preventing drug use through early detection. The initiative includes the use of special drug test kits in homes, schools, and workplaces. “Our Drug Integrity Test initiative aims to create an anti-drug culture,” Marwa said, highlighting its adoption by several institutions and its potential for early detection and intervention.
Marwa noted that NDLEA has produced thousands of test kits capable of detecting 15 different substances, available nationwide. He emphasized the importance of prevention over dealing with drug abuse consequences.
The NDLEA has been active in its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative, conducting thousands of sensitization programs. Marwa reported that between 2021 and 2024, NDLEA conducted 6,423 programs targeting young people in school and 987 programs for out-of-school youths.
Additionally, NDLEA provides counseling and treatment across 30 centers nationwide, treating 33,453 drug users in three and a half years. Marwa also highlighted the agency’s efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks, with 52,901 drug traffickers arrested, including 48 barons, and over 7.6 million kilograms of illicit substances seized.
Outgoing UNODC Country Representative, Dr. Oliver Stolpe, recommended expanding the UNPLUGGED school-based drug prevention program nationwide. He also called for enhanced resilience through sports-based initiatives and stressed the need for up-to-date data to assess the impact of collective efforts.
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, supported the NDLEA’s drug test campaign in schools. He emphasized the importance of compulsory and sustained testing in the education sector.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Abass Adigun, called for increased budgetary provisions for NDLEA, recognizing its extensive mandate.
The event featured various speakers, including Senator Sadiq Umar, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Chairman of MTN Foundation Julius Adeluyi, and guest lecturer Dr. Vincent Udenze of Intersect Consortium.
Prevention, NDLEA.