FG Pledges Stronger Crackdown on Drug Cartels, Expands Rehabilitation ServicesAkume, Marwa, Pate call for national action plan to tackle substance abuse

ABUJA — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and protecting Nigerian youth from substance abuse.

Speaking at the opening of the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, July 9, 2026, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was prioritizing prevention, treatment, and security in the fight against illicit drugs.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume said no nation could achieve sustainable development if its young population was threatened by addiction.

“No nation can achieve sustainable development if its youth population is threatened by substance abuse and addiction,” he stated. “Criminal networks involved in drug trafficking continue to undermine national security and exploit societal vulnerabilities.

The summit, themed _“Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action,”_ was jointly organized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC.

Akume said the government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, was focused on building resilient communities, promoting mental health, empowering young people, and strengthening institutions responsible for tackling drug abuse.

He described the summit as an opportunity for stakeholders to renew commitment, strengthen partnerships, and develop coordinated strategies to address drug-related challenges.

He commended the NDLEA, the Ministry of Health, and UNODC for convening the meeting, noting that tackling the drug problem requires more than enforcement alone.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the summit was convened to mobilize support for a coordinated National Action Plan on substance abuse, following activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day.

Marwa said while the agency had recorded significant gains, the scale of the problem demands a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving families, communities, religious and traditional leaders, civil society, and the media.

nationwide, reaching nearly five million Nigerians in schools, places of worship, workplaces, markets, motor parks, communities and correctional facilities. counselling, treatment and rehabilitation through the NDLEA’s 31 rehabilitation centers across the country.

The NDLEA chairman also highlighted the launch of the Alternative Development Initiative for cannabis growers, aimed at supporting them to transition from illicit cultivation to legitimate agriculture and other sustainable livelihoods.

“We are confident that stronger collaboration and sustained commitment will significantly reduce the burden of drug abuse in Nigeria,” Marwa said.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, urged participants to ensure the summit produced tangible outcomes.

He said success should be measured by reductions in drug use, improved patient recovery rates, and the restoration of families affected by substance abuse. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to coordinating national efforts on treatment and rehabilitation.

Speaking on behalf of UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga commended the collaboration among government institutions, civil society, development partners and the private sector.

He described the summit as an important opportunity to strengthen implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan through coordinated, evidence-based and practical actions.

The summit drew participants from relevant ministries, departments and agencies, the military, security agencies, development partners, NGOs and civil society groups.

Officials said the discussions would feed into a draft National Action Plan expected to guide federal and state responses to drug use and trafficking over the next four years.

With rising concerns about youth drug use and the link to crime and insecurity, the Federal Government said it would increase funding for rehabilitation, expand prevention programs in schools, and intensify inter-agency operations against drug cartels.