NDLEA Chief Raises Red Flag As Africa Braces For Drug Use Explosion

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has expressed grave concern over the projected 40% increase in drug use across Africa, warning that the continent is on the brink of a crisis if swift and unified action is not taken.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Marwa sounded the alarm on Monday, June 30, 2025, during a meeting at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja with a three-member delegation from the African Union (AU) Commission. The delegation included Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention; Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer; and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the AU team visited Nigeria as part of its evaluation of the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025).

In his remarks, Marwa highlighted global estimates indicating a 10–11% rise in drug use, but noted that Africa is expected to witness a much steeper increase—up to 40%.

“We commend the African Union for taking the implementation of the continental action plan seriously—not as a theoretical concept, but through practical, on-the-ground consultations with national agencies,” Marwa said. “This hands-on, evidence-based strategy will help create a more realistic and responsive framework.”

He emphasized, “The disparity between global and African projections signals an urgent crisis. A 40% surge in drug use across the continent demands swift, coordinated action. We greatly appreciate the AU’s leadership and proactive stance in addressing this issue.”

In response, the AU Commission delegation praised the NDLEA for its continuous supply of vital, policy-relevant data that has helped guide and shape AU efforts over the years.

Dr. Akinola noted, “We’re here to assess how the current continental action plan has been implemented at the national level. This is part of our broader efforts to formulate a new action plan for 2026 to 2030. Understanding successes, gaps, and emerging trends in countries like Nigeria is critical to ensuring the next plan is effective and inclusive.”