Vision of Drug-Free Nigeria is Achievable, Marwa Tells Participants at NOMA Capacity Workshop
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has re-emphasized calls for strategic partners with media practitioners to fight against drug abuse, warning that the country remains at the centre of a growing drug crisis that requires urgent and collective action.
Marwa, who was represented by Mrs. Rita Geh, a Deputy Director in the agency, made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the Media Capacity Building Programme organized by the Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA), in Lagos, to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The event, which brought together journalists, public health experts, anti-drug advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders to examine the role of the media in preventing substance abuse and promoting advocacy, was held at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba on Thursday 25th June, 2026, and themed: “Responsible Media, Drug-Free Nigeria: The Journalist’s Role in Prevention and Advocacy.”
The NDLEA boss described media professionals as “shapers of perception, architects of public opinion, and indispensable partners in national development,” emphasizing that the fight against drug abuse cannot be won through law enforcement alone.
According to him, Africa faces a particularly alarming drug challenge, with projections indicating that drug use on the continent could increase by as much as 40 per cent by 2030, compared to a relatively modest rise globally.
“Nigeria, by virtue of its population and strategic position, sits at the centre of this challenge. The 2018 national drug use survey showed that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians use drugs, compared to the global average of 5.6 per cent. This is not a statistic we can afford to ignore,” he said.
Marwa stressed that while enforcement remains a critical component of the anti-drug campaign, sustainable success depends on prevention, education, advocacy, and community involvement.
He noted that under his leadership, the NDLEA has adopted a balanced strategy that combines supply reduction with demand reduction efforts.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements, Marwa disclosed that the NDLEA has recorded more than 77,859 arrests, secured over 14,122 convictions, and seized in excess of 15 million kilograms of illicit substances across the country in recent years.
He further revealed that within the first ten months of 2025 alone, the agency made over 19,000 arrests, secured approximately 3,000 convictions, confiscated millions of kilograms of narcotics, and destroyed large cannabis plantations nationwide.
“These figures represent more than statistics. Behind every arrest, conviction, and seizure are lives saved, families protected, and communities made safer,” he said.
According to the NDLEA chairman, the agency’s operations have also disrupted criminal supply chains and weakened financial networks linked to organized crime and terrorism.
Despite these achievements, Marwa maintained that reducing the demand for drugs remains the ultimate solution to the problem.
“It is in the area of demand reduction that the role of the media becomes indispensable. The narratives journalists create, the stories they choose to tell, and the information they disseminate influence the choices people make, particularly young people,” he said.
The retired military officer urged journalists to prioritize responsible reporting by emphasizing accuracy over sensationalism and public education over entertainment.
He challenged media practitioners to use their platforms to educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse while highlighting stories of recovery, resilience, and rehabilitation.
According to him, reporting that focuses solely on criminality and punishment can reinforce stigma, discourage treatment-seeking behaviour, and undermine prevention efforts.
“Responsible media practice means going beyond headlines. It means helping people understand the realities of drug abuse, promoting evidence-based information, and showing that recovery is possible,” Marwa stated.
He also emphasized the media’s watchdog role, encouraging journalists to hold institutions accountable while fostering informed public discourse around drug policy, prevention, and public health interventions.
The NDLEA chairman described the programme’s broader focus on community involvement, media advocacy, and self-consciousness as central to achieving a drug-free society.
“This fight begins with the individual, gains strength from the community, and reaches its widest impact through the media. When these three forces work together, the results can be transformative,” he said.
Marwa called on journalists to actively support national anti-drug campaigns by countering misinformation, promoting healthy lifestyles, and amplifying prevention messages targeted at young people.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and collaboration with the media, noting that regular engagement remains essential for public awareness and advocacy.
The NDLEA chairman also highlighted the agency’s ongoing investments in prevention programmes, including school-based sensitization campaigns, community outreach initiatives, rehabilitation services, and the nationwide War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
According to him, millions of Nigerians, particularly young people, have already been reached through these interventions.
He further stressed the importance of community participation, urging parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community influencers to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting young people from substance abuse.
“Early education, open conversations, and supportive environments remain our strongest defences against drug abuse. A drug-free Nigeria cannot be achieved without active community involvement and personal responsibility,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the future, Marwa noted that a drug-free Nigeria remains an achievable goal if stakeholders sustain their commitment and continue to work together.
“The vision of a drug-free Nigeria is not a distant dream. It is achievable through commitment, consistency, and collective action. Together, we can build a nation where young people make informed choices and where communities remain safe, productive, and free from the scourge of drugs,” he concluded.
