Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohammed Marwa (retd), has called for stronger partnerships among stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

He urged relevant government agencies, civil society organisations, the media, women’s groups and youth-focused organisations to join hands with the agency in its fight against illicit drugs.

Mr Marwa made the call when he received the president and founder of the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD), Evelyn Onyilo, and members of her executive during a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.

The NDLEA chairman described drug abuse as one of the foremost challenges confronting Nigeria, warning that the growing involvement of young people and women in drug use requires urgent, sustained and coordinated intervention.

According to him, the magnitude of the drug problem is such that the NDLEA cannot confront it alone, stressing that enforcement must be complemented by sustained sensitisation, advocacy, education, prevention and community mobilisation.

He noted that the challenge extends beyond drug trafficking and seizures, stressing the importance of addressing the demand side of the problem through education and early intervention.

Mr Marwa disclosed that about 15 million Nigerians use drugs, meaning approximately one in every seven Nigerians is affected by drug use.

He further noted that women constitute a significant proportion of people who use drugs, with about one in every four drug users being female.

He also raised concern over the widespread use of cannabis, noting that more than 10 million Nigerians use cannabis, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing the country.

Mr Marwa said the figures make it imperative for stakeholders to move beyond occasional campaigns and build sustained platforms for prevention, especially among mothers, families, schools and communities.

He particularly welcomed INWOAD’s interest in direct sensitisation and advocacy, noting that platforms that engage mothers and women could become powerful channels for educating families about the dangers of substance abuse.

“NDLEA cannot do it alone,” the chairman stressed, calling for greater collaboration with organisations such as INWOAD and the media to take the anti-drug message to communities across the country.

He said media campaigns, seminars, sensitisation programmes, advocacy and public enlightenment were critical components of the national response to drug abuse.

Mr Marwa disclosed that the agency had continued to engage youth-oriented organisations and influential groups, including the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN).

He said other organisations included the Actors Guild of Nigeria and other youth groups, in an effort to broaden the reach of its drug prevention campaigns.

He stated that celebrities, entertainers, community leaders, women leaders and other influential Nigerians have important roles to play in changing attitudes towards drug use, particularly among young people.

The NDLEA chairman further assured INWOAD of the agency’s readiness to support and partner with the organisation in its forthcoming workshop and summit on drug abuse.

He described direct advocacy targeted at mothers and women as particularly valuable because of the influence women have within families and communities.

Mr Marwa also warmly acknowledged his long-standing relationship with Ms Onyilo, saying he had known her for ovet 25 years and recognised her as a prominent figure in newscasting who had now expanded her advocacy to the fight against drug abuse.

He expressed confidence that their shared commitment could produce meaningful results in the anti-drug campaign and assured the delegation that the NDLEA would collaborate with her organisation.

Ms Onyilo, who led the INWOAD delegation, commended the NDLEA chairman for what she described as his remarkable strides and unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

She said the purpose of the visit was not only to commend the agency’s efforts but also to explore areas of partnership that would strengthen the campaign against substance abuse, particularly among women, adolescents and young people.

Ms Onyilo said INWOAD was established in 2015 to promote gender equality, empower women and girls, advocate against discrimination and violence, encourage women’s participation in leadership and governance.

According to her, INWOAD also promotes initiatives that advance the wellbeing of women and girls across Africa.

She said the organisation considered the fight against drug abuse an important component of its broader commitment to protecting families, empowering women and creating opportunities for young people to lead healthy and productive lives.

In recognition of Mr Marwa’s leadership and contribution to the national anti-drug campaign, Phenomenal People Magazine, in collaboration with INWOAD, presented him with the “Champion of Drug-Free Nigeria Award.”

Ms Onyilo explained that the award was a recognition of the NDLEA chairman’s commitment to tackling drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking and the impact of the Agency’s work under his leadership.

She said INWOAD was prepared to work with the NDLEA through media campaigns, seminars, youth-focused programmes, community engagement, advocacy and public enlightenment.

According to her, the partnership will help take the anti-drug message beyond government institutions and into homes, schools, communities and other grassroots platforms.

Ms Onyilo announced that INWOAD would host an International Women’s Leadership Summit in Abuja in October 2026, with drug abuse and its impact on women, young people, families and society expected to feature prominently among the issues to be addressed.

She invited the NDLEA to participate and provide technical support at the summit, describing the agency as an indispensable partner in efforts to build a safer and healthier society.

The INWOAD president emphasised that women must be deliberately positioned at the forefront of prevention and advocacy because of their critical role in shaping families and influencing the wellbeing of children and communities.

She said the organisation’s partnership with the NDLEA would provide an opportunity to mobilise women as advocates for drug-free homes and communities.

(NAN)