NDLEA’s Role Crucial In Shaping New African Union Drug Control Strategy, Says AU Commission

The African Union Commission has emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in shaping the continent’s future drug control and crime prevention strategies.

This announcement was made during an assessment visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Monday, emphasising the agency’s status as Africa’s leading law enforcement body.

A three-member AU Commission delegation, led by Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control, and Crime Prevention, arrived to assess the current African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019-2025) and gather information for the upcoming plan (2026-2030).

The delegation also included Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer, and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.

“We are in the process of re-evaluating and launching another continental action plan that will take us from 2026 to 2030,” said Dr. Akinola.

“We understand the work of NDLEA, and we believe that the formulation of the new action plan will not be finalised and concluded until we receive input from NDLEA Nigeria, because you are essentially at the forefront of law enforcement on the entire continent.”

The delegation praised the NDLEA for its consistent provision of critical data and policy recommendations, which have greatly aided the AU Commission’s work over the years.

The visit is goal was to provide a comprehensive overview of national drug control strategy implementation, identify existing operational and institutional gaps, and investigate opportunities for technical assistance, particularly in areas such as capacity development, forensic science capabilities, and canine detection units.

Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, welcomed the delegation and emphasised the mission’s strategic importance.

He praised the AU’s proactive approach of consulting with national counterparts to develop a more practical and responsive framework for implementation.

Gen. Marwa emphasised the urgent need to address Africa’s growing drug problem, stating, “While global projections estimate a 10-11% increase in drug use prevalence, Africa is expected to see a surge of up to 40%.

This disparity foreshadows a looming crisis that necessitates coordinated and rapid action. We sincerely appreciate the AU’s leadership in this area and applaud your proactive efforts.”

This visit emphasises the NDLEA’s critical role in combating drug trafficking and abuse on the African continent, as well as the importance of working together to address this escalating global challenge.

The NDLEA insights are expected to have a significant impact on the future of drug control and crime prevention strategies across the African Union.