In a renewed effort to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), has emphasized the urgent need to address emerging threats as the nation prepares its National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2026–2030.
Speaking on Monday during the opening session of a five-day workshop in Niger State, Marwa highlighted the evolving nature of drug-related challenges and the importance of crafting a forward-looking strategy. The workshop, a residential retreat, is funded by the ECOWAS Commission and supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
“The task before us over the next few days is both strategic and historic,” Marwa stated. “The drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response. The NDCMP 2026–2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned.”
He stressed that the plan must not only build on previous successes but also confront new and emerging threats such as synthetic drugs, dark-web trafficking, poly-substance use, and illicit financial flows sustaining the drug trade.
Marwa described the workshop as a crucial platform for stakeholders to analyze Nigeria’s current approach, identify existing gaps, and design innovative solutions for the next five years. He called for the active participation of experts, civil society, and government representatives to contribute ideas and insights that would shape the nation’s collective vision for drug control.
“This workshop is more than producing another document—it’s about charting a vision that safeguards the health, security, and wellbeing of Nigerians,” he said.
He further highlighted that the NDCMP aligns with international drug control conventions, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control.
“Nigeria’s current Master Plan expires this year, and the new one must effectively respond to present and future drug-related challenges,” he stated.
The workshop also featured contributions from key stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Budget and Planning, as well as NACA, NAFDAC, EFCC, and NFIU, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to a unified and strategic national drug control framework.
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