Governors’ Wives Declare Support for NDLEA, Say Successful Drug War Will Drive Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
…Call for state of emergency on drug abuse, vow to cascade anti-drug efforts to grassroots
The Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum (NGSF) has pledged unwavering support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, asserting that a successful drug war is vital to the realisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
This resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the close of a high-level training workshop jointly organised by the NDLEA and the NGSF in Abuja on Tuesday, 6th May 2025.
The communiqué was read by the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Dapo Abiodun, on behalf of the Forum Chairperson and First Lady of Kwara State, Prof (Mrs.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq.
The governors’ wives expressed deep concern over what they described as “an alarming drug use situation” in Nigeria, which they noted has penetrated every level of society and poses serious risks to the wellbeing, safety, and security of individuals, families, and communities.
The Forum maintained that tackling the drug scourge is pivotal to actualising President Tinubu’s vision for national rebirth. “Successfully addressing the drug menace will significantly ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President is achievable, laying the foundation for holistic national development and the emergence of a Nigeria of our collective dreams,” they stated.
Commending the NDLEA under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), the Forum lauded the agency’s record-breaking successes in arrests, seizures, prosecutions, convictions, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. They described the NDLEA’s work as “outstanding, both nationally and globally.”
Acknowledging the need for more structured responses at state level, the Forum resolved that First Ladies would use their influence to advocate the establishment of State Drug Control Committees (SDCCs) across all 36 states. Presently, only nine states have functional SDCCs.
They also called on the Federal Government and State Governors to declare a state of emergency on drug use and trafficking, stressing that this would reinforce national ownership of the problem and accelerate the mobilisation of resources needed to combat the crisis.
In alignment with the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP), the Forum advocated the creation of Local Government Drug Abuse Committees to drive grassroots interventions. “This ‘bottom to top’ approach will ensure that tailored Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) activities reach wards and rural communities that are highly vulnerable to drug-related harm,” they said.
The governors’ spouses reaffirmed their commitment to continue championing the Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment and Care (DPTC) programme in their respective states. This, they said, would serve as an effective platform for addressing drug-related health challenges and promoting community development and wellbeing.
Highlighting the importance of expanding the reach of SDCCs, the Forum emphasised the need to forge strategic partnerships with private sector actors, civil society organisations, and key stakeholders.
Such collaborations, they stated, would enhance resources, infrastructure, and delivery of community-based projects with far-reaching impact across the country.
Furthermore, the Forum stressed the importance of actively supporting NDLEA Commands in the states to ensure a coordinated, integrated, and sustainable response to drug challenges. They called for a holistic approach that combines enforcement with prevention, treatment, and recovery.
In conclusion, the Forum advocated sustainable development strategies centred on health, social support, stigma reduction, and inclusive policies aimed at addressing root causes of drug use and strengthening long-term community resilience.
The workshop marked another milestone in the collaborative efforts between the NDLEA and the NGSF towards building a drug-free Nigeria.
