NIGERIA: NDLEA Key to Africa’s New Drug Control Plan – African Union Commission

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The African Union Commission has declared the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as a central stakeholder in the formulation of Africa’s new continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention, stating the agency’s frontline role in law enforcement across the region.

This was made known during an assessment visit to the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja by a three-member delegation from the AU Commission.

The team comprised Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention; Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer; and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.

The visit was part of a continent-wide review of the AU Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025) and the groundwork for developing a new strategy for 2026 to 2030.

The Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention, Dr Olubusayo Akinola, noted in a press statement signed but the agency’s Director, Media &Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi babalola: “We’re here to understand the status of implementation of this continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention. We are in the process of re-evaluating and starting another continental action plan that will take us from 2026 to 2030,”

He added: “We understand very well the work of NDLEA, and we believe that the formulation of the new action plan will not be finalized until we have inputs from NDLEA Nigeria, because you are basically on the forefront when it comes to law enforcement on the entire continent.”

The AU Commission praised the NDLEA’s consistent delivery of policy-relevant data and intelligence, which it said has significantly informed the Union’s efforts in combating drug-related crimes.

The delegation noted that the visit was aimed at evaluating the status of national drug control strategies, identifying institutional and operational gaps, and exploring areas where technical assistance is needed, such as capacity development, canine detection units, and forensic science.

Welcoming the delegation, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), emphasized the importance of the AU mission and the value of field consultations over theoretical engagement.

Marwa said: “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 by undertaking direct field consultations with national counterparts. This grounded, evidence-informed approach will undoubtedly result in a more pragmatic and responsive framework for implementation.”

He further raised concerns about the looming drug crisis in Africa.

“While global projections estimate a 10 to 11 percent rise in drug use prevalence, Africa is expected to experience a surge of up to 40 percent. 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, he said.”

The AU delegation is expected to compile and present its findings to the Commission in Addis Ababa before the drafting of the new 2026–2030 action plan begins. .