Tinubu calls for collective action to tackle drug trafficking

President Bola Tinubu says the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country must not be left for the government alone.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the grand finale of the 2025 World Drug Day, Tinubu called on all sectors of society to take ownership of the battle.

The president, who was represented by George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with global partners to end drug trafficking.

“This fight is not one for governments alone. It must be a national movement driven by families, faith leaders, civil society, youth groups, communities, businesses, and those with lived experience,” he said.

Tinubu said his administration is focused on lifting Nigerians out of poverty, which he described as a root cause of drug abuse, through initiatives like student loans and youth empowerment schemes.

He commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its achievements in reducing drug supply and demand in the country.

“The NDLEA under Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd) has not only attracted commendation from international partners but also stronger collaboration in the fight against illicit drugs,” he added.

Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, said the agency has held over 11,000 sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, markets, and communities across the country.

Marwa said between January 2020 and May 2025, the agency arrested 66,085 offenders, including 94 drug barons, and seized over 11.1 million kilograms of assorted drugs.

He added that while prevention is key, efforts to dismantle trafficking networks must also continue.

“Seven years ago, we realised Nigeria had one of the highest drug abuse prevalence rates globally,” Marwa said.

“With over 230 million people today, prevention is urgent and pragmatic. We must understand that children are especially vulnerable.

“In the past 53 months, we’ve rehabilitated 26,393 people across 30 centres. Thanks to Mr President’s support, seven more rehabilitation centres have been approved in this year’s budget.”

Also speaking, Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation, described drug abuse as a threat to national security, social stability, and economic growth.

He said the federal government has developed control frameworks and action plans to reduce drug-related crimes and their impacts.