The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to every initiative aimed at preventing illicit drug use, dismantling trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and promoting the wellbeing of all Nigerians.
The assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume at the opening ceremony of the ongoing National Drug Use Summit themed “Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Trafficking: A Call to National Action”, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking as a guest speaker, Akume said “On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to every initiative aimed at preventing illicit drug use, dismantling trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and promoting the wellbeing of all Nigerians”.
Justifying the government’s stance on the drug scourge, the SGF who was represented by the Permanent Secretary General Services (OSGF) Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, stated that no nation will fold its hands while its youths are under the threat of substance abuse.
Akume said “No nation can achieve sustainable development when its young population is threatened by drug abuse and addiction. No society can attain lasting peace and prosperity when criminal networks engaged in illicit trafficking continue to undermine its institutions and exploit its vulnerabilities. This much we know, and this much must guide our resolve. This summit, therefore, presents a timely opportunity for us to renew our collective commitment, deepen our partnerships and chart a clear, coordinated pathway towards a healthier, safer and more resilient Nigeria.
“Let me assure you that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of every Nigerian. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are building resilient communities, promoting mental health, empowering our young people and strengthening the institutions that must confront these emerging social challenges.”
In his welcome address at the ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) stated that the summit was convened as a national platform for reflection, dialogue and collective action on the growing burden of drug use and substance use disorders, adding that such intensity “testifies to our shared commitment to confronting Nigeria’s evolving drug situation through coordinated, evidence-based and innovative action.”
In his remark, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate urged that the summit must not end as a talk shop, adding “The measure of this summit will not be the communique. It will be the number of young people who choose not to start drugs. It will be the number of patients who sleep without pain. It will be the number of families restored. The Federal Ministry of Health stands ready to lead, to coordinate, to collaborate and to deliver.”
Also speaking, the Country Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Cheikh Toure represented by Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga commended the strong collaboration across ministries, agencies, civil society, the private sector, and development partners, adding that the gathering was a powerful demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the drug challenge in a coordinated and forward-looking manner.
Toure added “As the United Nations, we stand here today not as individual agencies, but as one system—united in our support to Nigeria. The UN family is working collectively to support a comprehensive, balanced, and evidence-based response. We meet at a critical time. The scale and evolving nature of drug use in Nigeria—marked by emerging substances and shifting patterns—require us to act with urgency, but also with clarity and purpose. Beyond the numbers are lives, communities, and futures that depend on the strength of our response. This summit is therefore more than a convening. It is a moment of alignment. A moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to the National Drug Control Master Plan and to translate that commitment into practical, measurable action.”
