Tinubu calls for national action against drug abuse, applauds NDLEA efforts
President Bola Tinubu has called for a nationwide movement to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, stressing that the fight cannot be left solely to the government.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, at the grand finale of the 2025 World Drug Day in Abuja on Thursday, the President appealed to all segments of society—including families, religious leaders, civil society, youth organisations, and the private sector—to actively join the campaign against drug abuse.
“This fight is not one for government alone. It must be a national movement driven by families, faith leaders, civil society, youth groups, communities, businesses, and those with lived experience,” Tinubu said.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with the international community to dismantle drug trafficking networks. He noted that his administration is also addressing the root causes of drug abuse by tackling poverty through initiatives such as student loan schemes and youth empowerment programmes.
He praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its sustained efforts in reducing both the supply of and demand for drugs across the country.
“Under Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd), the NDLEA has received international commendation and fostered stronger collaboration in the global fight against illicit drugs,” Tinubu noted.
NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, in his remarks, outlined the agency’s achievements, revealing that between January 2020 and May 2025, the NDLEA arrested 66,085 drug offenders, including 94 identified drug barons, and seized over 11.1 million kilograms of various narcotics.
He also highlighted the agency’s prevention and rehabilitation efforts, stating that more than 11,000 sensitisation campaigns had been conducted in schools, religious institutions, markets, and communities nationwide.
