The African Union Commission has underscored the indispensable role of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the formulation of a new continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention.
According to the Commission, the agency’s experience and performance in law enforcement make its input essential for shaping Africa’s future anti-drug strategies.
This position was conveyed during an official visit by a high-level AU delegation to the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday. The visit formed part of an ongoing evaluation of the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025) and the preparatory process for a successor plan covering 2026 to 2030.
The assessment team was received by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd).
The AU delegation included Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention; Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer; and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Akinola highlighted the purpose of their mission: “We’re here to understand the status of implementation of the current continental action plan and assess how effectively it has been executed by member states.
As we begin shaping a new strategy for 2026–2030, it is vital to identify any existing gaps, understand new and emerging challenges, and incorporate country-level insights.
NDLEA’s leadership and experience in drug law enforcement place it at the forefront across Africa, and therefore, the new plan cannot be considered complete without Nigeria’s contributions.”
Dr. Akinola further praised NDLEA’s longstanding collaboration with the African Union, particularly in the areas of data provision and policy development. She said the agency’s consistent supply of accurate and policy-relevant data has played a significant role in guiding the Commission’s work over the years.
The delegation also noted that their visit was aimed at collecting detailed feedback on Nigeria’s implementation of national drug control strategies, identifying institutional and operational shortcomings, and exploring areas where the AU might offer technical assistance.
Such assistance, they said, may focus on capacity building, forensic science enhancement, canine detection units, and other critical enablers of national drug control systems.
In his remarks, Brig Gen Marwa welcomed the AU team warmly and stressed the strategic importance of their engagement. He noted that he had made it a priority to personally receive the delegation due to the significance of the visit in shaping regional policy.
“We are encouraged by the African Union’s commitment to strengthening this action plan, not merely in theory but through practical, on-the-ground assessments. This evidence-based approach will certainly produce a more robust, flexible, and impactful strategy,” Marwa stated.
He also drew attention to the escalating drug use crisis facing the African continent, warning that while global projections suggest a rise in drug use by 10 to 11 percent, Africa is on track to experience a staggering increase of up to 40 percent.
“This disproportionate surge represents an impending public health and security crisis. It calls for urgent, united, and strategic action. We commend the AU’s leadership for taking proactive steps and for involving key national stakeholders such as the NDLEA in these crucial discussions,” Marwa concluded.
The visit reinforces the African Union’s commitment to collaborative policymaking and evidence-driven programming, as it works to build a safer and healthier continent.
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