President Bola Tinubu has called for “redoubled efforts” towards combating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, assuring the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of his support. 

“I hereby reiterate this administration’s unwavering support to NDLEA for the sustenance of drug control efforts in the country and their patriotic efforts to keep the country safe,” Mr Tinubu said.

He added, “I recommend that everyone should redouble efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country. We appreciate and acknowledge our local and international partners, especially the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime.” 

Mr Tinubu, represented by George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation, made this call at the 2023 UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, held in Abuja on Monday. 

The president’s stance on combating drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria comes as controversy about his involvement in a drug trafficking-related case in the U.S. in the 1990s lingers. 

Mr Tinubu once forfeited $460,000 linked to a drug trafficking case to the U.S. authorities in 1993. 

Last year, the Northern District Court of Illinois released documents detailing Mr Tinubu’s 1993 legal battles with United States authorities over drug-related and money laundering charges.

Opposition candidates, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi, both included Mr Tinubu’s involvement in the drug trafficking racket in their respective petitions before the presidential election tribunal.