The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is starting work on the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026-2030), marking the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s drug control initiatives.
At a five-day workshop sponsored by the ECOWAS Commission and backed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) publicly launched the program in Niger State on Monday.
Marwa urged stakeholders to make sure the new plan goes beyond standard tactics by addressing rapidly changing dangers in the illegal drug trade, according to a news release issued on Monday, October 6 by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja.
According to Marwa, “the NDCMP 2026-2030 must be comprehensive yet focused, visionary yet realistic, and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned.” “From synthetic drugs to dark-web trafficking, from poly-substance use to the illicit financial flows that support the drug trade, it must boldly address new and emerging threats.”
He emphasized that the workshop offers a special chance to pinpoint what has worked, point out any gaps, and create novel paths. “This is about establishing a shared vision to protect Nigerians’ health, safety, and well-being, not just creating another document,” Marwa continued.
Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, the UNODC Country Representative, praised Nigeria’s efforts but called for flexibility as drug dangers change around the world.
Dr. Daniel Amankwaah on behalf of ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr described the project as “a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework” and promised further regional cooperation.
Federal ministries, agencies, and civil society organizations are anticipated to contribute to the new plan, which takes the place of the present NDCMP, which expires this year.
