The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to combating illicit drug use and trafficking, calling for a coordinated national response involving security agencies, health institutions, communities and development partners.
The renewed resolve was reaffirmed on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja, where stakeholders agreed that Nigeria’s drug challenge requires stronger collaboration in enforcement, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Declaring the summit open, themed “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action,” Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the government remains focused on dismantling drug trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and protecting Nigerians from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume said drug abuse continues to threaten public safety, national development and the future of young Nigerians, stressing that no single institution can win the fight alone.
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said the agency recorded 29,262 arrests, secured 5,225 convictions and seized 5,305,484.88 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at more than ₦1.5 trillion over the past 18 months.
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Marwa said the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign has reached nearly five million Nigerians, while 13,508 people have received counseling, treatment and rehabilitation through its 31 rehabilitation centres across the country.
He added that the Alternative Development Initiative is helping cannabis cultivators transition to legitimate and sustainable livelihoods.
He said recommendations from the summit will shape a National Action Plan aimed at strengthening prevention, rehabilitation, policy implementation, data management and community resilience.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, urged participants to focus on measurable outcomes, saying success should be reflected in fewer people abusing drugs, greater access to treatment and improved support for affected families.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga called for stronger collaboration and evidence-based implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan.
The summit, jointly organized by the NDLEA, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the UNODC, is expected to produce recommendations to reinforce Nigeria’s response to illicit drug use and trafficking through coordinated prevention, enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation efforts.