Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), has called on President Bola Tinubu-led government to declare a state of emergency on drug abuse.
Marwa made this appeal during his keynote address at the Island Club Business Forum in Lagos, emphasizing the need for Nigerian elites to fully embrace the NDLEA’s comprehensive strategy to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the nation.
He stated, “This is not a challenge that the government can tackle alone. We are all stakeholders in this issue, and it is a collective responsibility for all Nigerians. The whole-of-society approach to addressing the drug problem ensures that everyone plays a role. The future of Nigeria is in our hands.”
He further highlighted the importance of society’s support in complementing the NDLEA’s efforts, particularly in preventing young people from engaging in drug experimentation. He emphasized that every individual has a role to play, with advocacy being the simplest yet most crucial. Spreading awareness about the dangers of drug misuse is essential in protecting more lives from the devastating effects of illicit drugs. The Island Club was also encouraged to join this initiative in protecting the community from the drug menace.
He told the gathering of business leaders, students, and parents that since the retooling of NDLEA three years ago after he assumed leadership, the agency has ramped up its drug demand and supply reduction efforts, leading to significant results, adding that the call for everyone to support the ongoing effort has become imperative because of the forecast by UNODC in the 2021 World Drug Report that drug use in Africa would rise by 40 percent in Year 2030, especially among those within 25-29 and 30-34 age groups, as a result of population growth.
He concluded, “Our collective actions today will shape the future. As an optimist, I believe in Nigeria’s potential, but it requires a strategic approach. The potential for Africa’s future is evident, considering its growing youth population, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial spirit. However, significant efforts are needed to realize this vision. If we interpret the statistics correctly, Africa could face the world’s largest drug problem in the future. It is imperative that we act now to prevent this.”
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