ABUJA — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has identified drug abuse as a significant driver of HIV transmission in Nigeria, calling for a coordinated and integrated response to tackle both public health challenges.
Chairman of the agency, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, made the assertion on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the National HIV Prevention Plan, stressing that efforts to combat HIV must go hand in hand with strategies to curb substance abuse.
Marwa highlighted the dangers associated with injectable drug use, noting that the sharing of contaminated needles significantly increases the risk of HIV infection. He further explained that substance abuse often impairs judgment, leading to risky sexual behaviour that accelerates the spread of the virus.
He also drew attention to correctional facilities, describing them as high-risk environments where addiction, overcrowding and limited access to prevention services create a cycle of vulnerability and infection among inmates.
“For too long, drug control and public health responses have been treated separately. Today, we recognise that they are interconnected and must be addressed together,” he said.
The NDLEA boss noted that while the agency remained committed to curbing the supply of illicit drugs, it was also intensifying efforts to reduce demand and promote harm reduction as part of a broader public health strategy.
He disclosed that the agency would strengthen collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the Federal Ministry of Health and civil society organisations to expand HIV prevention education nationwide, particularly among young people.
Marwa reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the National HIV Prevention Plan, with a focus on protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians.
In his remarks, Brigadier-General Idris Solebo, Director-General of Programme at the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MODHIP), commended NACA for its leadership in advancing Nigeria’s HIV response.
He noted that the agency had played a critical role in expanding access to treatment, care and support services, thereby contributing to a reduction in new infections and improved health outcomes for persons living with HIV.
Solebo also underscored the importance of collaboration between NACA and defence health institutions, particularly in ensuring that military personnel, their families and surrounding communities benefit from comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment services.
According to him, such partnerships are vital to maintaining the operational readiness and overall well-being of the armed forces.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasised the importance of sustained public awareness and community engagement in combating HIV.
Represented by Dr Olufemi Ayoola, NOA’s Director of Health and Social Care, he stressed that education and prevention remain central to achieving the objectives of the National HIV Prevention Plan 2026–2030 and reducing new infections across the country.
