NDLEA Chairman Marwa warns Africa could face a 40 percent drug use surge without urgent action.
He urged collaboration as AU begins work on a new continental drug control framework.
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), has issued a strong warning about the looming threat of a drug abuse crisis in Africa, citing projections that show a far higher increase in drug use on the continent compared to global trends.
Marwa sounded the alarm while receiving a delegation from the African Union (AU) Commission at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. The visit formed part of an ongoing assessment by the AU team, aimed at evaluating the progress of the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025) and initiating consultations for a revised plan covering 2026 to 2030.
In a statement released on Monday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Marwa highlighted troubling statistics that suggest Africa may witness a staggering 40 percent increase in drug use. This, he warned, is significantly higher than the 10 to 11 percent increase projected globally, signaling a dangerous trend that requires immediate and coordinated intervention.
“There is a need for urgency in addressing the continent’s growing drug challenge,” Marwa said. “While global projections estimate a 10–11% rise in drug use prevalence, Africa is expected to experience a surge of up to 40%. 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 applauded the AU Commission for taking a practical, field-based approach to evaluating the current plan of action. According to him, such efforts reflect the importance of informed decision-making based on real data and on-the-ground experiences.
“We are particularly pleased that the African Union is giving due weight to implementation by undertaking direct field consultations with national counterparts,” Marwa added.
During the meeting, the AU delegation acknowledged the NDLEA’s pivotal role in drug control efforts across Africa. The leader of the AU team, Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency, saying its contributions were critical to shaping the future of drug policy on the continent.
“You are at the forefront when it comes to drug control in Africa,” Akinola stated, affirming the AU’s recognition of NDLEA’s efforts.
The AU delegation also expressed appreciation for the NDLEA’s continuous submission of critical data, which has been instrumental in guiding drug policy formulation at the continental level. They signaled their intent to deepen collaboration with Nigeria in various technical areas, including forensic science, drug epidemiology, canine drug detection, and specialized training and capacity development for personnel.
As the 2019–2025 AU Plan of Action approaches its final phase, both the AU and the NDLEA stressed the importance of building on existing structures while adapting to emerging challenges. With drug trafficking and abuse becoming more complex and widespread, stakeholders agreed that bold reforms and increased investment in enforcement and rehabilitation are essential to stemming the tide.
