Marwa Urges Strategy for Nigeria’s 2026–2030 Drug Control Plan

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), has urged stakeholders developing the next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026–2030) to craft a strategy capable of tackling emerging threats in ongoing fight against illicit drugs.

Marwa made the call on Monday in Niger State during the opening of a five-day residential workshop organized to develop Nigeria’s fifth National Drug Control Master Plan.

The retreat is funded by the ECOWAS Commission with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Marwa described the upcoming plan as one that must be “visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet globally aligned.”

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the agency’s new framework will focus on challenges such as synthetic drugs, dark-web trafficking, poly-substance abuse, and illicit financial flows.

“The drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response. The NDCMP 2026–2030 must build on past achievements while boldly addressing emerging threats,” Marwa said.

He added that the goal is not merely to produce another policy document but to chart a unified national vision that safeguards the health, security, and wellbeing of Nigerians.

Marwa also reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to providing leadership and coordination throughout the process while strengthening partnerships across ECOWAS member states.

“We will continue to build strong alliances because the drug challenge recognises no borders,” he emphasized.

UNODC and ECOWAS Commend Nigeria’s Efforts

Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, representing UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Ousmane, commended Nigeria’s ongoing efforts but warned that the proliferation of new psychoactive substances and organized crime networks continues to shape local realities.

He said the new Master Plan must align with international conventions, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control.

Similarly, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, speaking for ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, reaffirmed Nigeria’s central role in regional drug control efforts.

“ECOWAS’ support aims to ensure that the new plan is robust, evidence-based, and aligned with international best practices,” Amankwaah said.

Collaborative Approach

Participants at the workshop include representatives from the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, and Budget and Planning, as well as NAFDAC, EFCC, NACA, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

Their discussions are expected to shape an integrated strategy for tackling drug demand and supply, setting a new course for Nigeria’s national drug policy from 2026 to 2030.