International partners including the European Union (EU), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have thrown their weight behind Nigeria’s renewed fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, pledging stronger cooperation and technical support for the implementation of the country’s 2026–2030 National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP).
The assurances came on Monday in Abuja during the opening of a two-day consultative forum organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to finalise a new strategic framework aimed at confronting the rapidly evolving drug crisis in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The forum brought together government officials, lawmakers, international development partners, security experts, health professionals, and civil society organisations to review the zero draft of the new master plan, which will guide Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts over the next five years.
The meeting comes amid growing global concerns over the rise in synthetic drug production, prescription drug abuse, and the expansion of transnational trafficking networks powered by digital technology and encrypted platforms.
Delivering the European Union’s goodwill message, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Zissimos Vergos, said the drug crisis has become a transnational security challenge requiring stronger international collaboration.
According to him, the consequences of drug trafficking and addiction in Nigeria are no longer confined within national borders, stressing that instability fueled by illicit drugs in Africa also impacts Europe.
“What affects the youth of Maiduguri or the streets of Ibadan does not stay within Nigerian borders,” he stated.
“Drug trafficking is a transnational challenge, and the master plan laid before this forum is Nigeria’s contribution to a transnational response.”
Vergos noted that the EU had recently updated its own drug strategy and action plan with greater emphasis on global partnerships, assuring Nigeria of sustained support in translating the new drug control roadmap into measurable progress.
He praised the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA for their resilience and commitment in confronting drug trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable communities.
Also speaking, UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Touré, warned that the global drug landscape is undergoing a dangerous transformation marked by the emergence of synthetic substances, highly organised trafficking syndicates, and technologically-driven illicit markets.
He said Nigeria occupies a strategic position in the global narcotics trade and therefore faces increasing pressure from evolving criminal networks.
“Nigeria stands at the intersection of this,” Touré said, adding that the situation underscores the urgency of adopting a comprehensive, data-driven, and adaptable response mechanism.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the UNODC to continue supporting Nigeria through technical assistance, institutional strengthening, evidence-based prevention and treatment programmes, and improved international cooperation.
In his remarks, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, warned that despite the achievements recorded under the outgoing drug control framework, Nigeria cannot afford to lower its guard.
Marwa cited projections by the UNODC indicating that drug use in Africa could rise by 40 per cent by 2030, while recent reports by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime showed that West Africa remains a major transit corridor for cocaine trafficking between Latin America and Europe.
According to him, Nigeria is increasingly confronted by the abuse of synthetic substances, prescription opioids, new psychoactive substances, and poly-drug use among young people.
He further raised concerns over the growing digitalisation of the drug trade, where traffickers now rely on encrypted communication systems, dark web platforms, and sophisticated financial channels to evade law enforcement agencies.
He explained that the proposed 2026–2030 master plan introduces new pillars focusing on alternative development and sustainable livelihoods to address the socio-economic conditions fueling the drug economy.
The plan also prioritises the disruption of illicit drug financing through intelligence-led investigations and enhanced financial surveillance.
Marwa described the consultative forum as a “battle room” for shaping Nigeria’s anti-drug strategy over the next half-decade, urging participants to propose bold and innovative ideas capable of protecting future generations.
Background checks show that Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan was first introduced as a multi-sectoral framework to coordinate efforts in drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction, access to controlled medicines, governance, and international cooperation.
Over the years, the NDLEA has intensified nationwide enforcement operations, rehabilitation initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and cross-border collaboration, leading to major seizures of narcotics and the arrest of trafficking syndicates.
However, experts have repeatedly warned that rising unemployment, insecurity, weak border controls, and increasing access to synthetic substances continue to expose millions of Nigerian youths to drug abuse and organised criminal networks.
Speaking at the event, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Daniel Amankwaah, said Nigeria’s drug control framework remains highly influential within the sub-region.
He assured the NDLEA of ECOWAS’ continued support throughout both the implementation and monitoring stages of the new plan.
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, commended the NDLEA for sustaining advocacy, rehabilitation, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement efforts despite mounting challenges.
She stressed the importance of adopting a holistic response that integrates education, healthcare, law enforcement, community mobilisation, and social support systems.
Michael Olugbode
