The chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa says the fight against substance abuse requires a multi-sectoral approach.

Mr Marwa made this known at a thanksgiving service held at the African Church Bethel, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day.

He was represented by the NDLEA Secretary, Shadrach Haruna.

Mr Marwa emphasised that families and faith-based institutions are the first line of defence in drug prevention and rehabilitation.

He described substance abuse as a major threat to public health, security, family stability and national development.

The United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is celebrated every June 26 globally.

Mr Marwa said the commemorative service was an opportunity not only to thank God but also to reflect on the challenges posed by drug abuse and renew collective commitment to addressing them.

According to him, the annual observance of World Drug Day on June 26 serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He expressed gratitude to God for his guidance, protection and mercies in the ongoing fight against illicit drugs, noting that the menace remained one of the most significant threats confronting societies worldwide.

“The scourge of substance abuse has affected countless individuals, families and communities across the world.

“Young people, who represent the hope and future of our nation, are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of illicit drug use,” he said.

Mr Marwa noted that drug abuse destroys dreams, weakens family structures, fuels criminal activities, undermines productivity and deprives society of its greatest asset, its human potential.

Reflecting on the sermon delivered during the service, he said the church had rightly reminded worshippers that the human body was the temple of God and should not be polluted or deliberately destroyed through substance abuse.

Despite the challenges posed by drug abuse, the NDLEA chairman expressed optimism, citing the increasing number of lives rescued through treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

He also celebrated families reunited through recovery efforts and communities promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

Mr Marwa commended the federal government and various stakeholders for their contributions to the fight against illicit drugs.

He specifically acknowledged the efforts of international partners, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, educational institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies.

According to him, their commitment demonstrates that addressing drug abuse and illicit trafficking is a shared responsibility that requires collective action.

He said that the church occupied a strategic position in society beyond its traditional role as a place of worship.

“The Church serves as a moral compass, a centre for community support and a source of hope for individuals struggling with addiction.

“Through prayer, counselling, mentorship and compassionate outreach, faith communities can help prevent substance abuse and support recovery efforts,” he said.

Mr Marwa said this year’s World Drug Day observance highlighted the importance of perseverance and innovative responses in addressing the persistent challenge of drug abuse.

He emphasised that prevention begins at home, where parents and guardians must engage children in honest conversations about the dangers associated with drug use.

He added that prevention efforts must also extend to schools, where positive values and life skills are nurtured, and to communities where opportunities should be created for young people to thrive.

The NDLEA boss urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to building a society where every young person could achieve his or her full potential free from the influence of drugs.

He called on citizens to promote healthy choices, strengthen family values, support people undergoing recovery and reject the stigma often associated with addiction.

“Recovery remains possible when individuals are provided with the right support systems and interventions,” he said

Mr Marwa further called for prayers for wisdom, strength and courage for all personnel and stakeholders engaged in drug control efforts across the country.

He also urged Nigerians to remember victims of substance abuse, affected families and the nation in prayers for peace, security and good health.

Earlier in his sermon, the Archbishop of the African Church Cathedral Bethel, Abuja, Peter Ogunmuyiwa, called on parents, particularly fathers, to take greater responsibility for raising their children as part of efforts to prevent drug abuse and other social vices.

The cleric said parents remained the first line of defence against drug abuse, stressing that neglect of parental responsibilities had contributed significantly to the growing moral and social challenges confronting young people.

He said the responsibility of parenting goes beyond providing material needs, adding that parents must be actively involved in the moral, spiritual and social development of their children.

“Parents are caretakers entrusted by God with the responsibility of raising children in the right way.

“If parents fail to train their children in the fear of God and monitor their activities, society will continue to grapple with problems such as drug abuse, crime and moral decadence,” he said.

Mr Ogunmuyiwa stressed the need for parents to be vigilant and maintain open communication with their children, noting that prevention of drug abuse begins at home.

He urged families to strengthen moral values and provide proper guidance to help children make responsible decisions.

(NAN)