Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has called on governments, security agencies, communities and individuals to strengthen collaboration in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Marwa made the call during the commemoration of the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Lagos, where he stressed that preventing drug abuse remains far easier than overcoming addiction.
Represented by the Director of Seaport Operations, Archieabis Ibinabo, who was in turn represented by the Commander of the Tin Can Strategic Command, Solomon Omotosho, the NDLEA Chairman urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts to reduce both the demand for and supply of illicit drugs.
He said governments at all levels, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, social workers, communities and families must work together to curb substance abuse while disrupting drug trafficking networks.
“If there is no demand, there will be no supply,” he said, noting that the Agency is also prioritising rehabilitation and recovery programmes through treatment centres established across the country by the current administration.
According to him, sustained collaboration and public awareness are essential to protecting society from the devastating effects of illicit drug use.
“Together, we can defeat the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in our society. The key message is for individuals and families to stay away from drugs. It is better never to start because overcoming addiction often requires extraordinary intervention,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the representative of the United Kingdom’s Home Office International Operations (HOIO), Edward Wales, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the NDLEA in combating transnational drug trafficking.
Wales commended the longstanding collaboration between both organisations, describing it as one built on trust, shared expertise and a common objective.
“I am grateful for the close collaboration we share and the successes we have achieved together. These accomplishments are the result of our strong partnership, mutual trust and exchange of expertise,” he said.
He noted that both agencies remain united in their determination to dismantle international criminal networks operating between Nigeria, the United Kingdom and other parts of the world.
“It is encouraging to see our colleagues from the Apapa, Tin Can, Export and Lekki Commands here today, as well as members of my team from London. Our shared commitment remains strong, and we will continue working together to strengthen this partnership and deliver even greater results in the fight against illicit drugs,” Wales added.