The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have outlined a series of activities to mark the 2026 World Drug Day.
The weeklong programme will focus on strengthening efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse across Nigeria.
Speaking on the activities lined up for the celebration, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), said the agency is targeting criminal networks involved in drug trafficking to effectively cut off their sources of funding and operations.
He noted that sustained pressure on these networks remains critical to reducing the availability of illicit drugs in the country and protecting young Nigerians from the dangers of substance abuse.
The UNODC has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s drug control efforts through technical assistance, capacity building, and collaboration on intelligence sharing.
The outlined activities include public enlightenment campaigns, community outreach programmes, media engagements, and capacity-building workshops for law enforcement officers. There will also be exhibitions, youth-focused programmes, and stakeholder meetings aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
The programme is designed to bring together government agencies, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media in a coordinated push against the drug menace.
The partnership between NDLEA and UNODC has been instrumental in strengthening Nigeria’s drug control architecture over the years. The upcoming World Drug Day activities are expected to build on existing gains and further deepen collaboration between both organisations.
Officials say the focus remains on prevention, treatment, and disrupting the supply chain of illicit drugs, while also addressing the root causes of drug abuse in communities.
The weeklong activities are expected to generate significant public engagement, especially among youths who remain the most vulnerable group to drug abuse. NDLEA has urged Nigerians to participate actively in the programmes and support efforts aimed at creating a drug-free society.
The 2026 World Drug Day comes at a time when the agency has recorded increased seizures and arrests in its ongoing fight against drug trafficking networks across the country.
