NDLEA and UNODC have announced a week of activities to mark 2026 World Drug Day, with the agency pledging to keep targeting criminal networks to cut off their lifeblood. The programmes were announced Friday, 19 June 2026 at a joint press briefing in Abuja. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa rtd, speaking on the theme “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” said new synthetic drugs, sophisticated trafficking and digital illicit markets require technology-driven responses. He said NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse initiative has been refitted with data, community intelligence and public enlightenment to protect youths.
The week began Friday 19 June with the press conference and Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja. Saturday 20 June is the Walk Against Drugs with Baze University, Nile University and MTN Foundation, starting 8:00am at African University of Science and Technology, Galadimawa. Other activities: Thanksgiving service Sunday 21 June; national essay competition finals Monday 22 June on “Say No to Drug: Building a Healthy and Responsible Generation”; NGO Day Tuesday 23 June; Youth Out of School outreach Wednesday 24 June in FCT markets and motor parks; and strategic planning Thursday 25 June. The Grand Finale holds Friday 26 June at State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where new policy frameworks will be unveiled.
Marwa said NDLEA’s “Offensive Action” since January 2021 has led to arrests and convictions of major drug barons, with assets forfeited under the Proceeds of Crime Act to dismantle criminal finances. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governments and partners including UNODC, US-DEA, UK NCA and other security agencies. UNODC Deputy Country Representative Danielo Campisi reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to support Nigeria through evidence, innovation and cooperation, noting the drug problem is evolving but not insurmountable.
