The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Fagbemi, SAN, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), have expressed confidence that the amended NDLEA Act will boost Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking once signed by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting in Abuja, Fagbemi, represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, said the amendment will enhance NDLEA’s legal and operational powers.
He praised NDLEA’s achievements in arrests, convictions, and public awareness through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
“The Federal Ministry of Justice has worked together with the NDLEA to ensure that our national legal system effectively supports the drug control efforts of the agency,” he said.
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He urged stakeholders to expand prevention programmes targeting youth, women, and vulnerable groups.
NDLEA boss Marwa said the amended Act, now awaiting presidential assent, would significantly boost the agency’s ability to cut drug supply.
He admitted that funding challenges had slowed progress but stressed that the agency remained determined.
Between 2023 and 2024, Marwa disclosed that over 31,000 drug offenders were arrested, with about 7,000 convictions recorded.
He also reported the seizure of more than 4.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs and the destruction of over 426 hectares of cannabis farms.
On the rehabilitation front, NDLEA provided counselling and treatment to over 19,000 individuals and expanded public sensitisation efforts through WADA.
UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, represented by Dr. Akani Ibanga, warned of the rising drug use problem in Nigeria.
“At least three million people are said to be suffering from drug use disorder, Ibanga stressed while calling for the immediate intervention and commitment to the National Drug Control Master Plan.
