The United Nations Workplace on Medication and Crime (UNODC) has launched a complete Nation Programme for Nigeria masking 2026–2030, geared toward strengthening legal justice, combating organised crime, selling public well being, and reinforcing the rule of regulation.
Talking on the launch in Abuja, UNODC Consultant in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, described the initiative as a important step towards integrating peace, justice, and growth efforts within the nation.
He famous that Nigeria stands at a defining second, stressing its function as Africa’s largest financial system and most populous nation, with affect extending past its borders.
Toure highlighted key challenges confronting the nation, together with illicit drug trafficking, transnational organised crime, human trafficking, maritime insecurity, violent extremism, and corruption, noting that these points proceed to affect communities and establishments nationwide.
He defined that the programme is constructed on in depth consultations with authorities, civil society, and growth companions, and is rooted in respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and institutional frameworks.
In accordance with him, the initiative focuses on strengthening the legal justice system, tackling corruption and illicit {financial} flows, supporting counter-terrorism efforts, addressing organised crime, and selling public well being, significantly in stopping and treating drug use issues.
He added that the programme prioritises youth inclusion, gender equality, and partnerships throughout federal, state, and group ranges, whereas additionally selling the inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
The UNODC official known as for robust political dedication and sustained useful resource allocation to make sure the programme’s success, emphasising the significance of collaboration amongst stakeholders.
In the meantime, the Chairman of the Nationwide Drug Regulation Enforcement Company (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, warned that drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria have escalated right into a critical public well being and nationwide safety disaster.
Marwa stated the drug downside is increasing in scale and complexity, contributing to violent crime, cash laundering, and social instability, whereas posing important dangers to public well being.
He disclosed that the company has adopted a brand new technique that mixes intelligence-driven enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation, and counselling for drug-dependent people.
In accordance with him, this marks a shift from a purely punitive strategy to a extra human-centred and restorative framework.
Marwa added that the UNODC programme aligns with Nigeria’s priorities to implement data-driven interventions, strengthen establishments, and undertake gender-sensitive methods in addressing drug-related challenges.
He careworn that success ought to be measured not solely by the amount of medication seized however by the variety of lives saved and communities strengthened.
Calling for broader collaboration, Marwa urged regulation enforcement companies, healthcare suppliers, educators, and civil society {groups} to work collectively in tackling the disaster.
He additionally recommended UNODC for the initiative and reaffirmed NDLEA’s dedication to its efficient implementation.
By Michael Olugbode
Times Nigeria