Tinubu Calls for National Movement Against Illicit Drugs in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has called on all Nigerians to unite in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, declaring it a “national movement” that extends beyond government efforts. He made this declaration on Thursday at the Presidential Villa Conference Centre in Abuja, during the grand finale of a weeklong programme commemorating the 2025 World Drug Day.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu emphasized that success in this critical battle requires broad participation from every segment of society.
“This fight is not one for governments alone. It must be a national movement—driven by families, faith leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, community leaders, businesses, and, crucially, people with lived experience,” Tinubu stated. He added that the voices, stories, and leadership of those directly affected are not only valuable but essential to inspiring action.
The President further highlighted the intrinsic links between drug abuse and broader societal challenges. “At the same time, we must not ignore the deeper roots of this crisis. Drug abuse is tied to poverty, inequality, violence and conflict,” he noted. To effectively tackle the problem, Tinubu advocated for a comprehensive approach that fosters peace, promotes inclusive development, and upholds human rights every step of the way.
Assuring Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation, Tinubu affirmed, “Nigeria stands firmly with the global community in the effort to tame the scourge of drug abuse and its consequences.” He stressed the importance of dismantling systems that sustain the crisis and building a future where prevention is strong, treatment is accessible, and recovery is not just possible but celebrated.
The President also reiterated his administration’s focus on poverty alleviation and youth empowerment through initiatives like the student loan scheme and other programmes, aligning with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” launched over the past two years.
Adding to the discourse, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), underscored the urgency of drug use prevention in Nigeria. “The reality around us is a strong indication—a wake-up call—for us as parents, guardians and governments to step up preventive measures,” Marwa stated in his welcome remark. He revealed that seven years ago, Nigeria faced the stark reality of having one of the highest drug abuse prevalence rates in the world, making robust prevention efforts particularly critical for the nation.
