AU: NDLEA Key to New Africa Drug Control Plan

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The African Union Commission on Monday says the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria is pivotal to the development of a new continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention, citing the agency’s frontline role in law enforcement across Africa.

The AU made this known during a strategic assessment visit to the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, led by Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention.

She was accompanied by Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer, and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.

“We believe that the formulation of the new action plan will not be finalized and concluded until we have inputs from NDLEA Nigeria, because you are basically on the forefront when it comes to law enforcement on the entire continent,” Dr. Akinola emphasized.

The visit forms part of the African Union’s evaluation of its Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025) and marks the beginning of consultations for a new framework covering 2026–2030.

Nigeria is one of the select countries being engaged for direct field input based on its significant role in implementing drug control strategies.

Chairman, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), welcomed the delegation and praised the AU’s evidence-based approach.

“We are particularly pleased that the African Union is giving due weight to implementation—not merely as a theoretical exercise—but by undertaking direct field consultations with national counterparts. This will result in a more pragmatic and responsive framework,” he said.

Marwa expressed alarm at projections indicating a dramatic rise in drug abuse across Africa. “While the global increase in drug use prevalence is projected at 10–11%, Africa is bracing for up to a 40% surge.

This disparity signals a looming crisis that demands coordinated and accelerated action,” he warned.

The AU delegation also commended NDLEA for its consistent provision of critical and policy-relevant data, which has helped shape regional strategies.

They further explored areas where technical support could strengthen NDLEA’s capabilities—including forensic science, canine detection units, and broader institutional development.

The visit underscores growing regional collaboration as the continent confronts a rising tide of drug-related challenges with urgency and coordinated resolve.