President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has affirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to combatting the menace of illicit drugs and substance abuse in the country as part of the global effort to curb the drug problem. He also pledged to continue offering essential support and resources to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.
Speaking at the opening of the 31st meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Africa (HONLAF) on September 26, 2023, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized the critical connection between successfully combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking and achieving various socioeconomic and security goals.
He stressed that their commitment to this cause is not merely a policy matter but a moral imperative, recognizing that a population plagued by drug-related issues is a burden rather than an asset. President Tinubu called upon the attendees to view the gathering as an opportunity to exchange innovative ideas and develop practical strategies to strengthen public safety and promote drug-free communities in Africa.
President Tinubu highlighted the significance of prevention, education, and rehabilitation, emphasizing the need to empower youth with knowledge and opportunities while steering them away from the destructive path of drug abuse and trafficking. He also acknowledged the transnational threat posed by drug cartels and commended the efforts of those in the room for safeguarding their nations from this menace.
The choice of Nigeria as the conference host was seen as a recognition of NDLEA’s leadership in the fight against illicit drugs. President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the participants for their role in preserving the world from the adverse effects of drug proliferation.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, highlighted the challenges presented by the 2023 World Drug Report for Africa. He called upon his counterparts across the continent to strengthen operational networks and elevate their efforts in combating the drug trade. Marwa stressed that drug use disorders are affecting the health, safety, and well-being of individuals, particularly the youth, and called for improved access to treatment and services.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized the need to address legal complexities that might hinder cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training. He pledged the Federal Ministry of Justice’s unwavering support to empower NDLEA in its mission.
Oliver Stolpe, Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), noted the evolving nature of the drug problem, with increased local consumption and emerging challenges. He advocated for a balanced approach encompassing supply and demand reduction, prevention, treatment, and alternatives to imprisonment for drug users. Stolpe also emphasized the importance of international cooperation to dismantle sophisticated drug trafficking networks.
The Executive Director of UNODC, Ghada Fathi Waly, and the Chairman of UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs conveyed their support for the conference and encouraged delegates to maximize the opportunities it provides.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a report on Organized Crime in Nigeria: A Threat Assessment (NOCTA), which was produced in collaboration with security agencies and supported by UNODC. The report aims to foster partnerships to combat organized crime effectively. Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies, Ayodele Adeleke, underscored the importance of such collaborations to create a coalition against organized crime in Nigeria.
