…as Marwa warns of looming drug crisis as Africa faces 40% surge in substance abuse
By Nkechi Eze
The African Union (AU) Commission has identified Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as a central pillar in shaping the continent’s forthcoming action plan on drug control and crime prevention, citing the agency’s critical role in law enforcement and data-driven policymaking across Africa.
Director, Media & Advocacy Femi BabaFemi in an official signed statement disclosed that the recognition came during an assessment visit to NDLEA’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, June 30, 2025, by a high-level three-member delegation from the AU Commission. 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 Professor Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.
The visit formed part of the Commission’s evaluation of the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025) and the early consultation process for a new continental strategy spanning 2026–2030.
“We’re here to understand the status of implementation of this continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention,” Dr. Akinola stated during the visit. “We have identified a few countries to assess how this plan was executed and to learn about gaps, emerging trends, and new priorities. The work of NDLEA is well known across the continent, and we believe the new action plan cannot be finalized without NDLEA’s input.”
She stressed that NDLEA’s consistent provision of relevant data has shaped AU drug policy over the years, adding that the team’s visit aimed to gain a full picture of Nigeria’s implementation efforts, assess institutional and operational gaps, and explore areas where technical assistance such as forensic science, capacity building, and canine units might be scaled up.
In his response, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), welcomed the delegation and underscored the significance of their engagement. “We are particularly pleased that the African Union is giving due weight to the implementation of the continental action plan, not merely as a theoretical exercise but through field consultations with national counterparts,” Marwa said. “This grounded, evidence-informed approach will undoubtedly result in a more pragmatic and responsive framework.”
He expressed concern over the stark projections for Africa’s drug challenge, noting that while global prevalence is expected to rise by about 10–11%, the continent could witness a staggering 40% surge. “This disparity signals a looming crisis that demands coordinated and accelerated action. We deeply appreciate the AU’s leadership in this space and commend your proactive efforts,” Marwa stated.
