UNODC Pledges Continued Support To NDLEA In Nigeria’s Drug War

Abuja, Nigeria – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

This assurance came during a courtesy visit by the new UNODC Country Representative for Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Toure, to the NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

Toure praised the NDLEA’s leadership role in drug law enforcement across Africa, particularly in West Africa, and emphasized the need to replicate the agency’s national successes at the state level.

He highlighted the link between drug abuse and subnational security challenges, stating that the visit aimed to reinvigorate the partnership between UNODC and NDLEA for a more comprehensive national and regional strategy.

“We want to develop a greater plan to support the remaining implementation of the master plan and future stages of engagement with Nigeria,” Toure said.

He also proposed exploring how the NDLEA could bolster the capacity of West African member countries, fostering collaboration and the sharing of best practices.

Marwa expressed gratitude for the UNODC’s longstanding support, expressing confidence in the strengthened partnership under Toure’s leadership.

He showcased the NDLEA’s achievements in drug supply and demand reduction over the past four years, attributing much of the success to collaborations with national and international partners, including the UNODC.

The NDLEA chief outlined key areas requiring further UNODC support:

• Alternative Development Programme: Marwa requested support for the agency’s pioneering African Alternative Development Programme, designed to provide alternative livelihoods for cannabis cultivators.
• National Drug Use Survey: He emphasized the need for an updated national drug use survey, citing the 2018 data as outdated and requesting support for a comprehensive reassessment to understand current prevalence and emerging trends.
• National Drug Control Master Plan: Marwa highlighted the need for collaboration on the development of a new master plan, succeeding the current 2021-2025 plan.
• Capacity Building and Training: He stressed the importance of continued capacity building and training for NDLEA personnel, requesting more master trainers.
• Field Test Kits: Finally, Marwa requested support in providing the agency with more field test kits to enhance operational efficiency.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen the UNODC and NDLEA partnership, promising intensified collaboration to tackle the multifaceted challenges of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria and the wider West African region.