NDLEA, UNODC unveil weeklong activities for 2026 World Drug Day
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have unveiled a weeklong lineup of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Drug Day, with the anti-narcotics agency pledging to intensify efforts against drug trafficking networks by targeting and dismantling their financial structures.
The programme was announced during a joint press briefing held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Friday. Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described World Drug Day, observed annually on June 26, as an important opportunity to assess progress in the global fight against illicit drugs and chart new strategies for addressing emerging threats.
Marwa, who was represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, said the 2026 theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,”reflects the changing nature of the global drug landscape. He noted that the rise of synthetic substances, sophisticated trafficking syndicates and digital drug markets requires innovative, technology-driven and proactive responses from governments and stakeholders.
According to him, the NDLEA has continued to modernise its operations while strengthening preventive initiatives through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. He said the programme now leverages data, community intelligence and public enlightenment tools to protect young people from substance abuse and promote a healthier society.
Marwa outlined activities scheduled for the weeklong commemoration, beginning with the press conference and a special Juma’at service at the National Mosque in Abuja on June 19. Other events include a Walk Against Drugs on June 20 in collaboration with Baze University, Nile University and the MTN Foundation, a thanksgiving church service on June 21, and the national essay competition finals on June 22.
The programme will also feature an NGO Day on June 23 to recognise the contributions of civil society organisations in grassroots drug prevention campaigns, while June 24 will be dedicated to an outreach programme targeting out-of-school youths in markets and motor parks across the Federal Capital Territory. Activities will culminate in a grand finale on June 26 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where stakeholders are expected to unveil new policy frameworks for tackling contemporary drug-related challenges.
Highlighting the agency’s recent achievements, Marwa said the WADA initiative, launched on World Drug Day in 2021, has evolved into a nationwide movement that encourages citizens to participate actively in the fight against drug abuse. He added that the NDLEA’s “Offensive Action” against drug cartels has led to the arrest and prosecution of major traffickers, while the Proceeds of Crime Act has enabled authorities to confiscate assets linked to illicit drug activities. “We are not just arresting traffickers; we are liquidating their financial empires,” he said, stressing that the agency remains focused on cutting off the lifeblood of criminal networks.
In his remarks, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, represented by Deputy Country Representative Danielo Campisi, said the global drug problem continues to evolve and requires sustained collaboration among governments, international organisations and communities. He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through evidence-based strategies, innovation, human-centred approaches and international cooperation, noting that collective action remains critical to addressing both existing and emerging drug threats.
