President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking through innovative, evidence-based strategies aimed at addressing both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem.

The President made the pledge in Abuja during the grand finale of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu said the growing complexity of the global drug challenge requires vigilance, adaptability and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

Speaking on the 2026 theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” the President noted that substance abuse continues to pose serious threats to individuals, families, communities and national security.

He said the Federal Government was confronting the menace through a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the administration is expanding access to education, promoting skills acquisition, supporting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and implementing social intervention programmes to reduce the vulnerabilities that expose young people to drug abuse and criminal activities.

“My administration remains committed to creating an environment where young Nigerians can thrive and succeed,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that efforts to reduce drug demand must be matched with decisive measures to curb supply, including stronger border security, enhanced surveillance at airports, seaports and land borders, as well as improved intelligence gathering.

He also called for deeper cooperation among national, regional and international law enforcement agencies, noting that criminal networks operate across borders and require coordinated responses.

The President highlighted the growing importance of science, technology and data-driven approaches in the fight against illicit drugs, saying Nigeria must continue to strengthen its capacity to detect emerging drug trends and identify new substances and precursor chemicals.

He added that investments in forensic laboratories, technological innovation and scientific research would remain critical to staying ahead of evolving threats.

Tinubu further pledged continued support for the criminal justice system to ensure effective prosecution of drug-related offences.

The President commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its achievements in curbing drug trafficking and reducing substance abuse across the country.

He praised the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), alongside its officers and personnel, for their dedication, professionalism and resilience.

According to him, the agency’s successes have earned Nigeria growing recognition within Africa and the international community.

Describing the global drug crisis as a shared challenge, Tinubu urged governments, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens to strengthen collaboration in building safer, healthier and drug-free societies.

Earlier, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the global campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, describing the menace as a major threat to public health, social stability, national security and sustainable development.

He said the agency had recorded significant operational successes over the past year through intelligence-led operations that dismantled major drug syndicates and led to unprecedented seizures across airports, seaports, land borders, forests and communities nationwide.

“In the face of increasingly sophisticated criminal networks, the NDLEA remains resolute and unwavering in its mission,” Marwa said.

The event attracted representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)j, the World Health Organisation (WHO), security agencies, traditional institutions, diplomatic missions, academia and students.