The Government’s Role — Forging Policy And Enforcement

While community efforts form the heart of the fight against drug abuse, a well-defined and well-funded government strategy remains its backbone. In Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with substance misuse; affecting an estimated 14.3 million people, or 14.4% of those aged 15–64 — policy direction, enforcement strength, and rehabilitation systems are decisive.

Nigeria’s response is guided by the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2021–2025, which sets four strategic pillars: Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction, Access to Controlled Medicines, and Governance & Coordination. This is the official blueprint for an integrated, evidence-based approach.

At the center of execution stands the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), translating policy into measurable outcomes under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd.). Recent operational data show both scale and momentum: 8,293 arrests and ~1.18 million kg of narcotics seized between January and May 2025; over 18,500 arrests and ~2.6 million kg seized in 2024; and 62,595 arrests, 11,628 convictions, and >10.3 million kg seized from Jan 2021–Mar 2025, alongside ~1,330 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed.

1) Enforcement — Disrupting the Supply Chain

NDLEA’s interdiction work targets trafficking networks, ports of entry, distribution hubs, and cannabis cultivation sites, with the figures above evidencing sustained multi-year pressure on supply.

2) Prevention & Awareness — Winning Minds Early

Beyond arrests, the agency runs a nationwide War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, a 24/7 helpline, and Drug-Free/WADA Clubs in schools—embedding prevention messages where young people learn and live.

3) Rehabilitation — Turning Recovery into Policy

Recognizing addiction as a public-health issue, NDLEA links enforcement with treatment, counseling, vocational support, and reintegration—an approach consistent with WHO guidance to integrate mental-health and substance-use services into community and primary care systems.

4) Policy Headwinds & Reforms

Independent reviews highlight persistent constraints—especially underfunding and limits on equipment/personnel—underscoring the need for capacity investment. Meanwhile, the amendment to the NDLEA Act has passed the National Assembly and awaits presidential assent, aimed at strengthening statutory powers and modernizing the framework.

5) Recommendation — From Enforcement to Ecosystem

To lock in gains and lower relapse, Nigeria should:

Increase budgetary allocations for prevention, treatment, and regional forensic capacity;

Institutionalize community-based rehab centers under a joint Ministry of Health–NDLEA framework with state and civil-society partners;

Operationalize the next NDCMP cycle with measurable targets for school-based prevention and integrated mental-health services (per WHO’s mhGAP and community-care guidance).

When governments lead with integrity—and enforcement is balanced by empathy—policy becomes a pathway to healing. The fight against drug abuse is not only a war on substances; it is a commitment to rebuild lives and protect the nation’s future.

“Blessed are those who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.” — Psalm 106:3