…Declares open UNODC, ECOWAS-backed workshop on NDCMP 2026–2030
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has charged stakeholders working on Nigeria’s next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026–2030) to ensure that the document addresses new and evolving threats driving the illicit drug trade in the country.
Marwa gave the charge on Monday, October 6, 2025, in Niger State, while declaring open a five-day residential workshop to develop the fifth National Drug Control Master Plan. The retreat is funded by the ECOWAS Commission and supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
According to NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Marwa described the exercise as both strategic and historic, noting that Nigeria’s drug response must keep pace with the changing dynamics of the global narcotics landscape.
“The drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response. The NDCMP 2026–2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned,” Marwa said.
He stressed that the new master plan must build on past achievements while tackling emerging threats such as synthetic drugs, dark-web trafficking, poly-substance use, and illicit financial flows that sustain the drug trade.
Marwa noted that the workshop presents a rare opportunity to review progress, identify gaps, and design innovative pathways for the future.
“This workshop is not just about producing another document but about charting a collective vision to safeguard the health, security and wellbeing of Nigerians,” he added.
He reaffirmed NDLEA’s readiness to provide leadership, coordination and technical support for the plan’s development and implementation, pledging to strengthen collaboration with local and regional partners.
“We will continue to work with our partners across Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region, for we know that the drug challenge recognises no borders,” he stated.
The NDLEA boss expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission, European Union, UNODC, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and the private sector for their continued support in shaping a safer and healthier West Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga commended Nigeria’s ongoing efforts but stressed the need for an adaptive and inclusive approach.
“Global and regional dynamics — whether related to new psychoactive substances, organised crime networks or economic pressures — all shape local realities. The Master Plan is the instrument through which we can respond effectively,” he said.
He added that the new NDCMP must align with international standards, including the three global drug control conventions, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control.
Also speaking, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, said Nigeria has remained a key player in regional drug control efforts. She explained that the Commission is providing technical and financial assistance to help the country develop a robust and evidence-based national strategy.
“This support aligns with ECOWAS’ Drug Prevention and Control Programme and broader regional efforts to strengthen mechanisms for drug demand and supply reduction,” she said.
The workshop also had in attendance representatives from the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Budget and Planning, as well as agencies such as NACA, NAFDAC, EFCC, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).