Marwa asks international community to unite against illicit drug cartels

Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has implored the international community to forge a common front in the bid to dismantle criminal drug networks.

Marwa made the call on Monday while addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) plenary session of the third committee in New York.

The NDLEA boss said given the transnational nature of the drug problem, Nigeria prioritises international cooperation and intelligence sharing.

He said the NDLEA has signed memoranda of understanding with several countries and maintains strong partnerships with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), European Union, Drug enforcement Administration (DEA) among others.

“These collaborations have led to major seizures, arrests of high-profile traffickers, and successful prosecutions — all with full regards to human rights,” he said.

“Madam Chair, the world can no longer be held hostage by the illicit drug trade. We must stand together — resolute and united — to dismantle the networks that threaten our peace, stability, and collective future.”

He said Nigeria is already responding with strategic, evidence-based interventions to curb the multidimensional drug problem.

“We have strengthened measures against money laundering linked to drug proceeds, while expanding care and support for individuals affected by drug use through treatment in rehabilitation centres, opioid substitution therapy, and safer needle exchange programmes,” he said.

“Cannabis remains the most commonly abused drug in Nigeria. To address this, we are implementing the Alternative Development Programme, engaging communities to replace illicit cannabis cultivation with legitimate livelihoods, while promoting food security and environmental protection.

“Our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative continues to mobilize all sectors of society in nationwide sensitization, reinforcing collective responsibility in protecting families and communities from the dangers of drug abuse.

“We are also tackling emerging challenges — including new psychoactive substances and the use of the Dark Web for trafficking.

“Nigeria is taking decisive action against the illicit production and trafficking of methamphetamine by preventing the diversion of precursor chemicals and dismantling clandestine laboratories.

“The effective implementation of our National Drug Control Master Plan has strengthened collaboration among stakeholders and yielded measurable results.

“In advancing social justice, Nigeria operates a 24/7 toll-free drug call centre, staffed by professionals offering counselling in major Nigerian languages. This service bridges the treatment gap and combats stigma associated with drug use.”