NDLEA Chairman Encourages Stakeholders to Confront Rising Threats

With the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) starting work on the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026-2030), Nigeria’s drug control initiatives are moving into a new phase.

NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) officially launched the program Monday in Niger State during a five-day workshop sponsored by the ECOWAS Commission and backed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, issued a press statement on Monday, October 6, in which Marwa urged stakeholders to make sure the new plan addresses rapidly changing threats in the illegal drug trade, going beyond standard tactics.

The NDCMP 2026–2030 needs to be both ambitious and realistic, all-encompassing and focused, and owned by the country but also regionally and internationally, according to Marwa. “New and emerging threats, such as synthetic drugs, dark-web trafficking, poly-substance use, and the illicit financial flows that support the drug trade, must be boldly addressed.”

He emphasized that the workshop offers a singular chance to pinpoint what has succeeded, point out weaknesses, and map out creative avenues. “This is not just about creating another document; it’s about establishing a shared vision to protect Nigerians’ health, safety, and well-being,” Marwa continued.

As drug risks change around the world, UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Ousmane, represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, praised Nigeria’s efforts but called for flexibility.

Dr. Daniel Amankwaah on behalf of ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr promised that regional support will continue, calling the project “a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework.”

It is anticipated that contributions from federal ministries, agencies, and civil society organizations would influence the new plan, which takes the place of the present NDCMP, which expires this year.