The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), has told the United Nations General Assembly that the agency has recorded significant achievements and transformed Nigeria’s approach to combating drug trafficking and abuse.
Marwa made this known on Monday during the ongoing 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, which is being held under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”
He was represented at the gathering by the NDLEA Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, who delivered the agency’s position on Nigeria’s progress in drug control and the need for stronger international cooperation.
According to Marwa, the NDLEA has moved beyond its traditional focus on arrests and drug seizures to adopt a more comprehensive approach that combines intelligence gathering, public health interventions, technological innovation, financial investigations, alternative livelihoods and international partnerships.
He explained that the changes became necessary because drug trafficking networks have grown more sophisticated, while technology has created new channels for illegal activities and the movement of criminal proceeds across national borders.
Marwa disclosed that between January 2025 and September 2026, the agency arrested 38,242 suspects, seized more than 5.8 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs valued at over ₦2.5 trillion and secured 6,232 convictions.
He added that during the same period, more than 16,303 people received counselling, treatment or rehabilitation services, while drug prevention campaigns and public awareness programmes reached millions of Nigerians.
The NDLEA chairman said the agency’s strategy now focuses on dismantling major drug trafficking organisations, identifying their financial networks and disrupting the structures that sustain the illegal drug trade.
He noted that the government’s response to drug-related crimes must go beyond counting arrests and seizures to address the networks, illegal profits and social vulnerabilities that allow the drug economy to continue operating.
“Trafficking networks have become more sophisticated, technology has opened new channels for illicit activity, criminal proceeds move rapidly across borders, and drug dependence continues to affect individuals, families and communities,” Marwa said.
He explained that Nigeria had therefore expanded its focus from drugs and individual offenders to the broader criminal networks and financial systems supporting the trade.
NDLEA introduces alternative livelihood programme
Marwa also highlighted the agency’s Alternative Development initiative, which is being piloted in three communities in Ondo State.
The programme is designed to help residents move away from illicit cannabis cultivation by supporting them to engage in legitimate agricultural activities that can provide sustainable sources of income.
According to him, the initiative reflects the agency’s recognition that effective drug control requires not only law enforcement but also economic opportunities for communities affected by illegal drug production.
He said providing alternative livelihoods could help reduce the conditions that encourage people to participate in the illicit drug trade.
Digital reforms strengthen drug control
The NDLEA chairman also pointed to the agency’s Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System as examples of how technology is being used to improve public service delivery.
He said the digital initiatives were introduced to promote accessibility, efficiency, transparency and integrity in the agency’s operations.
Marwa explained that the reforms were part of a broader effort to modernise drug control and strengthen the agency’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.
He added that Nigeria’s ongoing efforts were being consolidated under the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026–2030.
The plan is built around six key areas: drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction, access to controlled medicines, governance and coordination, alternative development, and the disruption of the illicit drug economy.
According to Marwa, the framework is intended to provide a coordinated and sustainable approach to tackling drug trafficking, reducing drug abuse and improving support for people affected by substance dependence.
Marwa seeks stronger international cooperation
Marwa called on the international community to strengthen the timely exchange of intelligence to prevent criminal organisations from exploiting gaps between countries and jurisdictions.
He stressed that drug trafficking was a transnational problem that required countries to work together, share relevant information and coordinate their responses.
He said Nigeria was prepared to share its experiences, learn from other countries and collaborate with United Nations member states and international partners to strengthen global efforts against illicit drugs.
The NDLEA chairman urged stakeholders to translate international commitments into practical action, adding that cooperation should produce measurable results in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He maintained that sustained partnerships, effective intelligence-sharing, technological innovation and coordinated enforcement would remain important to addressing the changing nature of the global drug trade.
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