Strengthening Drug Control Measures in Nigeria through NDLEA Act Amendments - Marwa's Proposal
NDLEA Chair and Justice Minister Express Optimism on Drug Control Amendment
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, have expressed hopes that the recently amended NDLEA Act by the National Assembly will fortify Nigeria's drug control efforts once signed by President Bola Tinubu.
According to our website reports, during the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting in Abuja on May 28, 2025, the duo expressed their expectations in separate remarks.
In his keynote address, Marwa highlighted the achievements of NDLEA in curbing societal crimes. He stated, "Over the past four years, unprecedented efforts by the NDLEA have led to significant milestones. These accomplishments include arrests, seizures, convictions, and the implementation of evidence-based drug demand reduction initiatives. Our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy platform has played a crucial role in educating communities on the hazards of drug abuse. Internationally, NDLEA has fostered cooperation and built partnerships to combat drug trafficking."
Marwa also commended the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Justice and NDLEA, stating that their joint endeavors have bolstered the national legal system's support for NDLEA's drug control efforts. He added that the Ministry is providing essential assistance in proceeds of crime management, an essential step to dismantle financial networks of drug traffickers.
Acknowledging funding limitations that hindered the complete implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2021-2025), Marwa vowed that the Agency remains unyielding in its mission. He urged all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to deliver the needed impact and value to overcome Nigeria's drug challenges.
The Acting Minister, Fagbemi, acknowledged the contributions of other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to the country's drug control efforts. He commended state governments for establishing drug control committees and praised civil society organizations working at the community level for holistic outcomes. Fagbemi emphasized the importance of expanding prevention programs to address the root causes of drug abuse, particularly focusing on youths, women, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals in communities.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making and praised Marwa's comprehensive response across various sectors, including drug supply reduction, demand reduction, and access to medications. He underlined that Nigeria's contribution to the global drug issue—with three million people stated to be suffering from drug use disorder—demands sustained efforts to effectively implement the NDCMP and address drug-related challenges.
The amended NDLEA Act targets substantial reinforcement of NDLEA's institutional capacity in drug supply reduction, harsher penalties, stronger international cooperation, and alignment with the National Drug Control Policy. These developments aim to provide a solid foundation for NDLEA to increase efforts against drug abuse and trafficking, ultimately enhancing public safety and health outcomes across Nigeria.
- President Bola Tinubu is awaited to sign the recently amended NDLEA Act, as optimism grows in Nigeria that the legislation will fortify the country's drug control efforts.
- During a meeting in Abuja, NDLEA Chair Buba Marwa and other stakeholders commended the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Justice and NDLEA, stating that it has bolstered the national legal system's support for drug control efforts.
- In a separate address, Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of drug abuse, particularly focusing on youths, women, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals in communities.
- The amended NDLEA Act aims to provide a solid foundation for the NDLEA to increase efforts against drug abuse and trafficking, ultimately enhancing public safety and health outcomes across Nigeria.
- As part of the general news, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, underlined that Nigeria's contribution to the global drug issue demands sustained efforts to effectively implement the NDCMP and address drug-related challenges.
- Mental health and health-and-wellness advocates in Lagos, referenced as Naija locals, are encouraged by these developments in drug control policy-and-legislation, noting the potential positive impact on mental health within their communities.
