ABUJA – The African Union (AU) Commission has recognised Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as a central player in the development of the continent’s next action plan on drug control and crime prevention.
This was disclosed during an assessment visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Monday, June 30, 2025, by a three-member AU delegation. The team, led by Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control, and Crime Prevention, included Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer, and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.
The visit was aimed at evaluating the implementation of the current AU Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025) and gathering insights for the upcoming 2026–2030 strategy.
Dr. Akinola stated, “As we begin re-evaluating and preparing for the next cycle, it’s clear that NDLEA’s input is indispensable. NDLEA is at the forefront of law enforcement in Africa, and without its contributions, the new plan will not be complete.”
The AU delegation praised NDLEA for its consistent delivery of key policy-relevant data that has helped guide regional drug policies. They also assessed national efforts in drug control, identified operational gaps, and explored areas needing technical assistance, particularly in forensic science, canine detection, and capacity building.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the AU visit as a strategic step toward strengthening evidence-based planning across Africa.
“We appreciate the AU’s commitment to grounding its plans in field realities through direct consultations with national counterparts. This ensures a more responsive and pragmatic approach,” Marwa said.
He warned of a looming drug crisis, pointing to a projected 10–11% global increase in drug use compared to a staggering 40% rise expected in Africa.
“This disparity signals a looming crisis. The urgency for coordinated, accelerated action across the continent cannot be overstated,” he added, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to advancing Africa’s drug control agenda.
