- Tinubu Intensifies War on Drugs
- Promises Stronger Intelligence, Global Partnerships
- Says Nigeria Will Stay Ahead of Evolving Drug Threats
President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will intensify the use of technology, intelligence, forensic science and international partnerships to combat illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Eko Hot Blog reports the President also commended the leadership and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), describing their courage, professionalism and operational successes as efforts that have earned Nigeria global recognition in the fight against narcotics.
Tinubu, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated this on Thursday at the grand finale of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the President said his administration remained committed to tackling both the supply and demand sides of the drug menace through innovative and evidence-based strategies.
He warned that the global illicit drug trade had become increasingly sophisticated, requiring governments to remain vigilant, adaptive and united in their response.
According to him, substance abuse has gone beyond being a public health concern to becoming a serious threat to families, education, economic productivity and national security.
“My administration remains committed to creating an environment in which young Nigerians can thrive and succeed. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are expanding access to education, promoting skills development, supporting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and implementing social interventions that address the underlying factors that make individuals vulnerable to substance abuse and criminal recruitment,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that preventive measures must be complemented by aggressive action against trafficking networks.
“Reducing demand must be matched by decisive action to disrupt supply. This requires stronger border management, enhanced surveillance of ports, airports, seaports and land crossings, improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration among national, regional and international law enforcement agencies. Criminal organisations operate across borders, and our response must be equally coordinated and effective,” he stated.
The President said science, innovation and data analytics had become indispensable tools in combating organised drug crime.
“We must strengthen our capacity to collect, analyse and apply data so that emerging trends are identified early, interventions are properly evaluated and strategic decisions are informed by facts.
“As illicit drug markets evolve, our ability to detect and identify drugs and precursor chemicals must evolve as well. Strengthening forensic laboratories, enhancing technological capabilities and supporting scientific research will remain essential if we are to stay ahead of emerging threats,” he added.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would continue supporting the criminal justice system to ensure drug traffickers are properly investigated, prosecuted and brought to justice.
He reserved special commendation for NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), and officers of the agency for their commitment to safeguarding the nation.
“I wish to commend the officers, men and leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency under the able leadership of Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.). Their dedication, courage and professionalism have yielded remarkable achievements in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts, earning Nigeria recognition and respect across Africa and the international community,” he said.
The President urged governments, civil society groups, development partners and citizens to work together in building safer and healthier communities, describing the drug menace as a shared global challenge that requires collective action.
Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Celebrating Progress and Inspiring Collective Action Against Drug Abuse,” Professor Oluwatoyin Odeku of the Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, said Nigeria had made significant progress in combating illicit drugs over the last five years.
“When the NDLEA was re-energised in 2021, many believed the drug war was unwinnable. Today, the evidence tells a different story. We have every reason to celebrate the progress made while remaining committed to sustaining the momentum,” she said.
The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Toure, represented by Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, also commended Nigeria’s balanced approach to drug control, noting that the country was increasingly embracing evidence-based and human rights-centred drug policies.
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