In a significant stride towards bolstering Nigeria’s efforts in combating drug-related crimes, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, Secretary of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside other senior officials, welcomed Mr. Marc Bourgeois from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (INTPA). The meeting, held at NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, underscored the agency’s commitment to international collaboration in addressing drug trafficking and abuse.
Barrister Haruna, representing NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd.), commended the European Union for its unwavering support through various initiatives aimed at curbing drug-related challenges in Nigeria. He highlighted the critical role played by the EU-funded project Response to Drugs and Related Organized Crime, implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This decade-long partnership, which has invested over €34.5 million, has been pivotal in transforming Nigeria’s approach to drug control from a predominantly enforcement-based strategy to a balanced, evidence-driven model that incorporates prevention, treatment, and care.
The collaboration has achieved remarkable milestones, including the formulation of two National Drug Control Master Plans (2015-2020 and 2021-2025), training of over 3,000 law enforcement officers, establishment of model treatment centers across Nigeria, and the rollout of school-based prevention programs like UNPLUGGED, which reached more than 70,000 students in 350 secondary schools. These initiatives align with Nigeria’s broader goals of achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Mr. Marc Bourgeois lauded NDLEA’s dedication to tackling drug-related issues and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts. He emphasized that narcotics not only fuel organized crime but also undermine societal stability and development. Bourgeois encouraged further collaboration to sustain progress made under the partnership.
The meeting also served as a platform to discuss future strategies for enhancing Nigeria’s capacity in drug control. Barrister Haruna reiterated NDLEA’s resolve to strengthen prosecutorial capacities while adopting innovative measures to address emerging challenges in drug production and trafficking. He expressed optimism that continued international cooperation would further empower Nigeria to combat drug-related crimes effectively.
This engagement reflects NDLEA’s proactive stance in leveraging global partnerships to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing security concerns. With sustained efforts and international support, the agency remains at the forefront of ensuring a drug-free society for future generations.
