Marwa Highlights Key Areas of Need, Including Drug Use Survey, Training, and Test Kits
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
This assurance came on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, when the newly appointed UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Acknowledging NDLEA’s leadership role in drug law enforcement across Africa, particularly in the West African sub-region, Toure emphasized the need to extend the agency’s successes at the national level to individual states.
He noted that drug-related issues contribute significantly to security challenges at the subnational level.
“It is important for us to re-engage and strengthen the relationship between UNODC and NDLEA,” Toure stated.
“My visit today is to reaffirm our commitment to supporting Nigeria and the broader West African region, following NDLEA’s lead. The agency has been a key partner in our efforts, and we want to work together on a comprehensive plan to support the remaining implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan and future initiatives. Additionally, we seek to enhance NDLEA’s capacity to provide training for West African member countries, fostering collaboration in tackling drug-related issues and sharing best practices.”
In response, Marwa expressed appreciation for UNODC’s ongoing support and confidence that the partnership would reach new heights under Toure’s leadership. He highlighted the agency’s achievements in drug supply and demand reduction over the past four years, made possible through local and international partnerships, including UNODC.
During the meeting, Marwa outlined key areas where NDLEA requires further assistance, beginning with the agency’s Alternative Development Programme, the first of its kind in Africa, aimed at providing cannabis growers with sustainable livelihood alternatives. “If we can offer these farmers viable alternatives, it will benefit them and society as a whole,” he noted.
He also called for support in conducting a new national drug use survey, stressing that the last assessment, published in 2018, is outdated
“We need to reassess the current drug prevalence, emerging trends, and patterns. This has been a priority for some time, and I’m pleased that it is now on UNODC’s agenda.”
Additionally, Marwa emphasized the importance of updating the National Drug Control Master Plan, set to expire in 2025, and underscored the need for capacity building and training. “The success of any organization depends on its personnel. We need more master trainers to strengthen our workforce,” he said.
Finally, he highlighted the need for field test kits to enhance drug detection and enforcement efforts. “These tools are essential to our work. We would appreciate support in acquiring them, whether immediately or in the coming years.”
The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between UNODC and NDLEA, with both parties committed to enhancing Nigeria’s drug control efforts and contributing to regional security.
