The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have announced the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Speaking during a joint press conference to commemorate World Drug Day (WDD) on Wednesday in Abuja, the NDLEA chairman, Brig-Gen Buba Marwa (retd), said that each year was guided by a unique theme.

The conference was organised to announce weeklong activities to commemorate the year 2025 world drug day.

The theme for the year 2025 World Drug Day (WDD) is: ” The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

Mr Marwa said that the theme had shaped the global response to the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking over the following 12 months.

He added that the year 2025 theme would once again serve as a framework for the awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and community outreach efforts.

He said, “We have lined up a variety of impactful activities beginning with today’s press briefing, culminating in the grand finale on Thursday, June 26. These events are designed to raise public awareness, encourage dialogue, and galvanise collective action towards combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. On Friday, June 20, we will hold a Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja.

“The following day, Saturday, June 21 at 8:00 a.m., we will stage a Walk Against Drug Abuse in collaboration with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja at the university campus in Gwagwalada. On Sunday, June 22, a thanksgiving service will be held at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Regional Church, Wuye, Abuja, starting at 10:00 a.m.

“We will begin the following week with the final stage of an essay competition on Monday, June 23. In this round, schoolchildren will present letters they have written on the theme: “Why I Must Not Take Drugs.” The event will be held at the NDLEA Conference Room at our headquarters in Jahi.’’

Mr Marwa added that the day would also include a range of non-governmental organisation-led activities focused on drug prevention and youth engagement.

He said, “Our focus on Tuesday, June 24, will be on out-of-school youth. To this end, we will conduct an outreach campaign in markets and motor parks across the FCT Area Councils, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Finally, on Thursday, June 26, which marks World Drug Day, we will hold the grand finale, a commemorative event at the State House Conference Centre, commencing at 9:00 a.m.”

Also speaking at the briefing, UNODC’s Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, emphasised the critical role of preventive measures in tackling the global drug crisis.

Represented by the UNODC’s Deputy Head in Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, Mr Toure drew attention to the interconnectedness of drug trafficking with other transnational crimes such as human trafficking, illegal mining, and environmental degradation.

He noted, “The proceeds of the illicit drug trade often finance violent extremist groups, further destabilising already vulnerable regions. Together, these interconnected crimes form a vicious cycle that entrenches poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness, and addiction.”

In spite of the challenges, Mr Toure commended the NDLEA for its leadership, citing the agency’s strategic and courageous efforts in addressing both the supply and demand dimensions of the drug crisis.

He said, “UNODC is really proud to be a partner on this vital journey.’’

(NAN)