NDLEA, UNODC Unveil Weeklong Activities for 2026 World Drug Day

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have announced a weeklong programme of activities to mark the 2026 World Drug Day, with the anti-narcotics agency reaffirming its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and confiscating assets linked to illicit drug trade.

The announcement was made during a joint press briefing held at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, retired Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, said this year’s theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” reflects the changing nature of the global drug landscape, including the emergence of synthetic drugs, sophisticated trafficking networks and digital illicit markets.

Represented by the Agency Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa said the NDLEA had continued to modernise its operations through technology-driven enforcement strategies and preventive campaigns under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.

He said activities for the commemoration began on June 19 with a press conference and a special Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja.

According to him, other activities include a Walk Against Drugs on June 20 in collaboration with Baze University, Nile University and the MTN Foundation; a thanksgiving church service on June 21; a national essay competition on June 22; an NGO engagement day on June 23; and an out-of-school youth sensitisation programme on June 24.

The weeklong programme will culminate in a grand finale on June 26 at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, where government officials, diplomats and international stakeholders are expected to discuss policy responses to emerging drug-related challenges.

Marwa also highlighted the agency’s achievements in drug control efforts, noting that the WADA campaign, launched in 2021, has evolved into a nationwide movement involving communities, institutions and other stakeholders.

He said the agency’s offensive against drug cartels had resulted in the arrest and prosecution of major drug traffickers, while assets linked to drug crimes had been confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

“We are not just arresting traffickers; we are dismantling their financial empires by targeting assets linked to drug crimes and cutting off the lifeblood of criminal networks,” he said.

In his remarks, the UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, represented by Deputy Country Representative Danielo Campisi, said the global drug problem continues to evolve and requires sustained collaboration and innovation.

He reaffirmed the UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts through evidence-based strategies, international cooperation and people-centred approaches aimed at reducing drug abuse and trafficking.

World Drug Day is observed annually on June 26 to raise awareness of the impact of illicit drugs and strengthen global efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking.