President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking through evidence-based and innovative interventions.

Mr Tinubu gave the assurance on Friday in Abuja at the grand finale of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Represented by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Tinubu stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to tackle the menace of drug abuse.

Speaking on the 2026 theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the president said the evolving global drug challenge demanded vigilance, adaptability and collective action.

He noted that the consequences of substance abuse extended beyond individuals, disrupting families, schools, workplaces and national security.

According to the president, the federal government is addressing the challenge through a coordinated and multi-pronged strategy.

“My administration remains committed to creating an environment in which young Nigerians can thrive and succeed.

“Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are expanding access to education, promoting skills development, supporting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and implementing social interventions.

“These interventions address some of the underlying factors that make individuals vulnerable to substance abuse and criminal recruitment,” he said.

Mr Tinubu said reducing drug demand must be complemented by decisive action to disrupt supply through stronger border management and enhanced surveillance at ports, airports, seaports, and land borders.

The president stressed the need for improved intelligence gathering and closer collaboration among national, regional and international law enforcement agencies.

“Criminal organisations operate across borders, and our response must be equally coordinated and effective,” he said.

Mr Tinubu said science, technology and reliable data had become indispensable tools in combating illicit drug trafficking.

“We must continue to strengthen our capacity to collect, analyse and apply data so that emerging trends are identified early, interventions properly evaluated and strategic decisions are informed by facts.

“As illicit drug markets evolve, our ability to detect and identify drugs and precursor chemicals must evolve as well.

“Strengthening forensic laboratories, enhancing technological capabilities and supporting scientific research will remain essential if we are to stay ahead of emerging threats.

“Our criminal justice system must continue to receive the support it needs to deal effectively with drug-related crimes,” he said.

He also commended the leadership and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for their sustained efforts against drug trafficking.

“I wish to commend the officers, men and leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency under the able leadership of Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd).

“Their dedication, courage and professionalism have yielded remarkable achievements in both drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts, earning Nigeria recognition and respect across Africa and the international community,” he said.

The president described the global drug problem as a shared challenge requiring a collective response and urged civil society organisations, international partners and citizens to strengthen efforts toward building safer, healthier and drug-free societies.

Earlier, Mr Marwa said Nigeria remained fully committed to the global campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

He described the drug scourge as one of the greatest threats to public health, national security, social stability and human development.

“In the face of these sophisticated threats, the NDLEA has not blinked. We remain resolute.

“Over the past year, the agency has recorded monumental operational successes through intelligence-driven enforcement, dismantling seemingly untouchable syndicates and executing unprecedented seizures across our airports, seaports, land borders, forests and communities,” Mr Marwa said.

The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Health, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), security agencies, traditional rulers, diplomats, academia, and students.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a UN international day against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade, and is observed annually on June 26.

(NAN)