The United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary General, Mrs. Amina J Mohammed, assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of unwavering support in its battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
During her courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, Mrs. Mohammed, accompanied by the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, expressed the UN’s commitment to bolstering the Agency’s efforts in combating the complex challenges posed by drug-related crimes.
Addressing the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Mrs. Mohammed reiterated the UN’s dedication to enhancing the impact of NDLEA’s operations. She emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of drug abuse and trafficking, underscoring the need for collaboration across government sectors to safeguard human dignity.
Commending Marwa’s exemplary leadership, Mrs. Mohammed acknowledged NDLEA’s pivotal role in safeguarding public health and national security. She praised the Agency’s proactive measures in making significant arrests, prosecuting offenders, and destroying illicit drug caches and cannabis farms.
In response, Marwa expressed gratitude for the UN delegation’s historic visit, highlighting the urgent need for international support to tackle the pervasive threats posed by drug abuse and trafficking. He outlined NDLEA’s achievements in curbing the drug menace, including arrests, prosecutions, and public awareness campaigns through initiatives like the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).
Marwa also presented key areas where UN support could bolster NDLEA’s efforts, including conducting comprehensive drug use surveys, procuring advanced equipment for destroying drug caches and cannabis farms, and enhancing forensic capabilities.
The visit underscored the collaborative efforts between NDLEA and the UN in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, signaling a renewed commitment to combatting drug abuse and trafficking for the betterment of society.
