UNODC Pledges Continued Support for NDLEA in Drug War
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria. This assurance was given on February 5, 2025, when UNODC’s new Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. Toure acknowledged NDLEA’s leadership role in drug enforcement across Africa and emphasized the need to extend its successes to the state level, given the link between drug abuse and security challenges. He also called for enhanced collaboration to strengthen NDLEA’s capacity and share best practices across West Africa. In response, Marwa expressed appreciation for UNODC’s ongoing support and highlighted key areas where additional assistance is needed, including: – Alternative Development Programme – Providing cannabis farmers with alternative livelihoods. – Drug Use Survey – Updating the 2018 report to assess current drug prevalence and trends. – National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) – Developing a new framework beyond the 2021–2025 plan. – Capacity Building & Training – Expanding personnel training to enhance effectiveness. – Field Test Kits – Equipping NDLEA with portable tools for on-the-spot drug testing. Marwa expressed confidence that under Toure’s leadership, UNODC’s partnership with NDLEA would reach new heights in the fight against drug-related crimes.
