The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has emphasized the necessity of global commitment in safeguarding modern societies from the menace of illicit drugs during his recent address at the Jayhawk Welcome Centre, University of Kansas, in the United States. Speaking at the 2023 Marwa Africana Lecture Series, he discussed the efforts undertaken by Nigeria in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Marwa highlighted Nigeria’s achievements in preventing a significant volume of drugs from reaching its streets through border seizures and intelligence sharing with source countries and international partners. He noted that Nigeria has been engaged in a relentless anti-illicit drug campaign for 33 months, guided by global best practices and the UNODC’s Whole-of-Society approach to address drug-related challenges.
While acknowledging the progress made in the past 30 months, Marwa emphasized that the battle against drug abuse remains a continuous effort, albeit one with promising prospects for the future. He expressed gratitude for the support received from international partners, friendly governments, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and its citizens, asserting that a drug-free society is now within reach.
Marwa described the choice of words in Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign, referring to it as a metaphor indicative of the urgency and severity of the situation. He clarified that the “War on drugs” terminology represents the gravity of the drug threat to the nation and underscores the need for swift and intense action, all within the framework of global best practices.
Marwa also outlined strategic measures implemented by the NDLEA, including the adoption of innovative techniques, upgraded procedures, and the establishment of a drug abuse tele-therapy center with a round-the-clock helpdesk for individuals seeking assistance. He highlighted the agency’s commitment to international collaboration with law enforcement agencies from various countries.
The lecture was followed by an interactive session during which Marwa addressed questions from the audience, particularly Nigerians who expressed appreciation for the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat the drug scourge.
Other speakers at the event, including Dr. Shawn Leigh Alexander, Dr. Peter Ukpokodu, Dr. Dorthy Pennington, and Dr. Amal El Haimeur from the University of Kansas, commended Marwa for his leadership and dedication to Nigeria and humanity.