The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Retd.), has disclosed that the agency has made significant strides in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
According to him, the NDLEA has seized over 11.1 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs and secured more than 12,000 convictions within the last four and a half years.
Marwa further revealed that the agency has prioritized not only enforcement but also rehabilitation. Over 26,000 drug users, he said, have been successfully rehabilitated through various counselling and recovery programs initiated by the agency.
He made these remarks during the inaugural National Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention Music Talent Hunt Concert, which was held at the University of Lagos.
The event was a collaborative effort between the African Youth Initiative on Crime Prevention (AYICRIP), the University of Lagos, and the Zidora Aid Foundation.
It aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, especially among the youth, through creative platforms such as music, spoken word, dance, and drama.
At the competition, Queen’s College, Lagos, emerged as the overall winner and was awarded a cash prize of ₦50,000. Wesley School secured the second position, earning ₦30,000, while Birel School came third and received ₦20,000.
In his address, Marwa emphasized that the NDLEA’s efforts extend beyond arrests and prosecutions. He explained that the agency had embraced a “whole-of-government and society” approach in implementing its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Social Advocacy Programme, which was launched in June 2021. “We continue to open our doors to collaboration—not just to enforce the law, but to change the culture,” he stated.
He also highlighted the campaign’s rallying slogan, “One Nation, One Voice,” urging students and young people to champion the fight against substance abuse. “The most powerful voice in this fight must come from students and youth—it’s your future at stake,” he declared.
Marwa did not mince words in describing the pervasive threat of substance abuse. He warned that drug misuse has infiltrated not only schools but also social media spaces, music, and even homes.
“Every pill, every puff, every injection carries a price far greater than a fleeting moment of pleasure—it costs dreams, dignity, and lives,” he cautioned.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of AYICRIP, Chris Ibe, reiterated that the concert was far more than an entertainment event. He described it as a clarion call for young people to reject drugs and embrace purposeful living. “Say no to drugs, say yes to purpose and a brighter future,” he urged.
Ibe further noted that the talent hunt provided an invaluable platform for young Nigerians to display their creativity, passion, and commitment to a drug-free society.
“Through dance, spoken word, live performances, and artistic competitions, we are giving a voice to a new generation—one that refuses to be defined by drugs, crime, or hopelessness,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Peter Adenibuyan, who represented Dr. Olajumoke Koyejo of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), Nigeria, described substance abuse as a global pandemic that requires urgent and comprehensive action.
He stressed the need for stronger interventions starting from the home front and advocated for increased investment in the training of healthcare providers, educators, and caregivers.
Dr. Adenibuyan also called for the integration of substance abuse education into school curricula and professional development programs, stressing that early education and preventive strategies are crucial in addressing the menace effectively.
Overall, the event underscored the critical need for a united, multi-stakeholder approach in the ongoing battle against drug abuse in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on youth engagement, education, and rehabilitation.