By StarhavenTV Reporter
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, the media and community groups to intensify the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd.), made the call when he received the President and Founder of the Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD), Lady Evelyn Onyilo, and members of her executive at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
Marwa described drug abuse as one of the major challenges confronting the country, warning that the increasing involvement of young people and women in drug use requires sustained and coordinated action.
He said the NDLEA could not tackle the problem alone, noting that enforcement activities must be supported by education, prevention, advocacy, sensitisation and community-based initiatives.
According to him, the fight against drugs should not focus only on trafficking and seizures but must also address the demand for illicit substances through early intervention and public education.
Marwa disclosed that about 15 million Nigerians use drugs, representing approximately one in every seven Nigerians.
He further noted that women account for a significant proportion of people who use drugs, with about one in four drug users being female.
The NDLEA chairman also expressed concern over the widespread use of cannabis, saying more than 10 million Nigerians use the substance.
He said the figures highlighted the need for sustained prevention programmes targeting families, schools, communities, mothers and young people.
Marwa welcomed INWOAD’s interest in working directly with women and mothers on drug prevention, describing them as important channels for educating families and protecting young people from substance abuse.
He called for increased use of media campaigns, seminars, advocacy programmes and public enlightenment initiatives to strengthen the national response to drug abuse.
The NDLEA boss said the agency had continued to work with youth-oriented organisations, entertainers and influential groups, including the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Actors Guild of Nigeria, to expand the reach of its anti-drug campaigns.
He also urged celebrities, community leaders, women leaders and other influential Nigerians to use their platforms to discourage drug use, particularly among young people.
Marwa assured INWOAD of the NDLEA’s readiness to support its forthcoming programmes and collaborate on initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse.
Earlier, Onyilo commended the NDLEA chairman for his efforts in combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
She said the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of cooperation that could strengthen prevention and awareness programmes, particularly among women, adolescents and young people.
Onyilo explained that INWOAD, established in 2015, works to promote gender equality, empower women and girls, advocate against discrimination and violence, and encourage women’s participation in leadership and governance.
She said the organisation considered the fight against drug abuse an important part of its efforts to protect families and promote healthier and more productive communities.
As part of the engagement, Phenomenal People Magazine, in collaboration with INWOAD, presented Marwa with the “Champion of Drug-Free Nigeria Award” in recognition of his contribution to the national campaign against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Onyilo said INWOAD was prepared to partner with the NDLEA through media campaigns, seminars, youth programmes, community engagement, advocacy and public enlightenment.
She announced that the organisation would hold an International Women’s Leadership Summit in Abuja in October 2026, where drug abuse and its effects on women, young people, families and society would be among the issues discussed.
She invited the NDLEA to participate in the summit and provide technical support, describing the agency as an important partner in efforts to build safer and healthier communities.
Onyilo also stressed the need to place women at the centre of drug prevention and advocacy efforts, saying their influence within families and communities could help promote drug-free homes and protect children from substance abuse.
