Ola Akinwunmi
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), Chairman of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has issued a stark warning about an impending drug crisis across Africa, projecting a dramatic 40% increase in drug use on the continent. This alarming forecast significantly outpaces the global estimated rise of 10-11%, underscoring the urgent need for decisive and collaborative action.
Marwa delivered his cautionary message during a meeting with a delegation from the African Union (AU) Commission at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja. The AU team’s visit was part of an assessment to evaluate the progress of the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025) and to consult on a new strategic framework for 2026–2030.
“There is a need for urgency in addressing the continent’s growing drug challenge,” Marwa emphasized. “While global projections estimate a 10–11% rise in drug use prevalence, Africa is expected to experience a surge of up to 40%. This disparity signals a looming crisis that demands coordinated and accelerated action.”
The NDLEA boss commended the AU Commission for its proactive approach in reviewing the current plan through direct field consultations, highlighting the importance of evidence-based policymaking. He stressed that such on-the-ground assessments are crucial for developing effective strategies.
Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, who led the AU delegation, acknowledged Nigeria’s pivotal role in drug control across Africa. She stated that the Commission considers the NDLEA’s input “indispensable” to the new action plan due to its strategic leadership in law enforcement continent-wide. “You are at the forefront when it comes to drug control in Africa,” Akinola praised.
The AU team also lauded the NDLEA for its consistent provision of vital data, which has been instrumental in shaping continental drug policy in recent years. Looking ahead, the delegation expressed keen interest in bolstering technical cooperation with Nigeria in critical areas such as forensic science, drug epidemiology, canine detection units, and capacity building, recognizing Nigeria’s expertise as a valuable resource in the fight against drug abuse.