Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking through evidence-based and innovative interventions. Tinubu gave the assurance on Friday in Abuja at the grand finale of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the President, represented by Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, emphasized the need for collective efforts to address the menace of drug abuse. Speaking on the 2026 theme, ‘The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses’, Tinubu highlighted the need for vigilance, adaptability, and collective action to tackle the evolving global drug challenge.
Tinubu noted that the consequences of substance abuse extended beyond individuals, affecting families, schools, workplaces, and national security. The Federal Government, he stated, is addressing the challenge through a coordinated and multi-pronged strategy aimed at creating an environment where young Nigerians can thrive and succeed.
Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu’s administration is expanding access to education, promoting skills development, supporting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities, and implementing social interventions. These initiatives aim to address underlying factors that make individuals vulnerable to substance abuse and criminal recruitment.
In addition to reducing drug demand, Tinubu emphasized the need for decisive action to disrupt supply through improved border management and enhanced surveillance at ports, airports, seaports, and land borders. He stressed the importance of improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration among national, regional, and international law enforcement agencies to counter cross-border criminal organizations effectively.
Tinubu also underscored the role of science, technology, and reliable data in combating illicit drug trafficking. Strengthening forensic laboratories, enhancing technological capabilities, and supporting scientific research are essential to staying ahead of emerging threats, he stated. The President also emphasized the importance of supporting the criminal justice system to effectively handle drug-related crimes.
Commending the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for their sustained efforts against drug trafficking, Tinubu praised their dedication, courage, and professionalism, which have garnered recognition and respect for Nigeria across Africa and the international community.
The President called for a collective response to the global drug problem, urging civil society organizations, international partners, and citizens to strengthen efforts toward building safer, healthier, and drug-free societies.
Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the global campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. He highlighted the agency’s monumental operational successes over the past year through intelligence-driven enforcement and unprecedented seizures across various entry points.
The event, attended by officials from the Ministry of Health, UNODC, World Health Organisation (WHO), security agencies, traditional rulers, diplomats, academia, and students, emphasized the importance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, in raising awareness and promoting global action against drug abuse and illegal drug trade.