The Federal Government has restated its resolve to prevent drug abuse, dismantle trafficking cartels, and expand treatment and rehabilitation services nationwide. Speaking at the opening of the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the Tinubu administration remains committed to protecting Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Represented by Permanent Secretary, General Services, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume noted that no nation can develop when its youth are threatened by addiction, and called the summit a platform to renew commitment, strengthen partnerships, and build a coordinated National Action Plan.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the summit was designed to drive a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response to substance use disorders. He reported 29,262 arrests, seizure of over 5.3 million kg of illicit drugs worth more than ₦1.5 trillion, and 5,225 convictions in the last 18 months. On the demand side, NDLEA conducted 6,645 sensitization programmes reaching nearly five million people, and provided counselling, treatment and rehabilitation to 13,508 persons across 31 centres. Marwa also cited the new Alternative Development Initiative to help cannabis farmers shift to legal cash crops as part of a balanced approach to supply and demand reduction.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the summit must move beyond communiques to measurable impact in communities, schools, and health facilities. UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, commended Nigeria’s multi-sector collaboration and urged urgent, evidence-based action aligned with the National Drug Control Master Plan. The summit, jointly organized by NDLEA, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and UNODC, brought together government agencies, security institutions, development partners, civil society, and traditional leaders to agree on practical steps for prevention, treatment, data, and community resilience.
