UNODC Pledges Stronger Support for NDLEA in Drug War, as Marwa Highlights Key Areas of Need
…Seeks Assistance for Fresh Drug Use Survey, NDCMP, Test Kits, and Training
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its relentless efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
This assurance was given on Wednesday, 5th February 2025, during a courtesy visit by the new UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Cheikh Ousmane Toure, to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Toure, who led a delegation of top UNODC officials, acknowledged the NDLEA’s leadership in drug law enforcement across Africa, particularly in the West African sub-region.
He emphasised the need to extend the agency’s national-level successes to the states, noting that drug abuse remains a major factor in security challenges at the subnational level.
“It is very important for us to re-engage and re-energise the relationship between UNODC and NDLEA,” Toure stated. “My visit today signifies our commitment to reinvigorating this partnership so that it serves Nigeria as a whole and also extends to the rest of this sub-region, following your lead.
“NDLEA has been a crucial partner, even facilitating our implementation in Nigeria. Now, we want to work together to develop a greater plan to support the remaining implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) and future engagements with Nigeria.
“One key area we are considering is how NDLEA can provide increased capacity-building for West African member countries, enabling a collaborative fight against drug trafficking and the sharing of best practices.”
In his response, Marwa expressed gratitude to the UNODC for its continued support over the years and voiced confidence that Toure’s leadership would elevate their partnership to new heights.
He highlighted the NDLEA’s significant achievements in drug supply and demand reduction over the past four years, attributing these successes to collaborations with local and international partners, including the UNODC.
The NDLEA chairman used the occasion to outline key areas where further UNODC support would be crucial.
He urged the global body to back Nigeria’s Alternative Development Programme, the first of its kind in Africa, aimed at providing alternative livelihoods for cannabis growers.
“If we can offer viable alternatives to these farmers, it would benefit both them and society at large. This is one area where we need stronger collaboration and support,” Marwa stated.
He also called for assistance in conducting a new national drug use survey, as the last one published in 2018 is now outdated.
“We need a reassessment to determine the current prevalence rate and identify emerging trends. I raised this concern with the UNODC Director in Vienna a few years ago, and I am pleased that it is now being considered,” he said.
Marwa further underscored the importance of updating the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP), which currently covers 2021–2025, noting that a new strategy must be developed for subsequent years.
Additionally, he stressed the need for capacity-building and training to enhance NDLEA’s personnel effectiveness.
“Every organisation depends on its workforce. Capacity-building initiatives have been invaluable to us, and we require more master trainers to strengthen our team,” he explained.
Marwa concluded by appealing for the provision of handy field test kits, which would enable NDLEA officers to conduct quick and efficient drug tests during field operations.
“You can evaluate what is feasible now and what can be achieved in the coming years, ensuring we continue to effectively discharge our mandate,” he said.
The renewed partnership between the UNODC and NDLEA signals a reinforced commitment to tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
