The United Nations (UN) has pledged its continuous support to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing fight against substance abuse and the illegal drug trade in Nigeria. This was affirmed by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, during a significant courtesy visit to the NDLEA’s headquarters in Abuja.
Accompanied by Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mrs. Mohammed reaffirmed the global body’s dedication to amplifying the efforts of NDLEA in addressing the widespread challenges associated with drug abuse and trafficking.
In her address to NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), Mrs. Mohammed emphasized the necessity of tackling the root causes of drug misuse, as well as the importance of intergovernmental collaboration in addressing these issues. She highlighted the role of coordinated efforts in maintaining national security, improving public health, and protecting the dignity of individuals affected by drug misuse.
Mrs. Mohammed also praised the leadership of Brigadier General Marwa, acknowledging his effective stewardship in guiding the NDLEA. She commended the agency for its proactive measures, including the dismantling of drug operations, arrests, prosecutions, and the destruction of illicit drug caches and cannabis farms, which have played a critical role in curbing drug trafficking.
In response, Marwa expressed his gratitude for the UN’s support and highlighted the importance of global collaboration in addressing the growing drug challenge in Nigeria. He took the opportunity to showcase NDLEA’s ongoing initiatives, such as the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), which has contributed significantly to raising public awareness about the dangers of drug use.
Marwa also outlined specific areas where further UN involvement could strengthen NDLEA’s operations, such as conducting in-depth drug use surveys, providing advanced technology for better detection and destruction of drugs, and enhancing the agency’s forensic capabilities.
This meeting marked a reaffirmation of the ongoing partnership between the UN and NDLEA, signaling a renewed collective commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. The cooperation is aimed at fostering a safer, healthier society through strategic interventions, greater resource mobilization, and robust enforcement measures.
