2025 World Drugs Day: President Tinubu declares the fight against illegal drugs as a national movement

2025 World Drugs Day: President Tinubu declares the fight against illegal drugs as a national movement

… lead prevention campaign Akpabio, Marwa

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (basic reporter) Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday 26 June 2025, said that the fight against the abuse and trafficking of illegal drugs should be seen treated by all Nigerians as a national movement beyond the government

This was contained in the main speech of President Tinubu held during the international day of 2025 against the abuse of drugs and illegal trafficking held at the State House, Abuja.

Represented by the secretary of the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the president underlined the need for a collective national action, adding that the abuse of drugs a national emergency requested a holistic and collaborative action.

However, since Nigeria has marked the United Nations International Day of 2025 against the abuse of drugs and illegal trafficking with a powerful unity show and resolution as government officials, international partners and private sector leaders gathered in Abuja to ask for an urgent and rehearsal action to combat the growing nation’s growing drug crisis.

Representing the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, secretary of the government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, held Keynote’s speech at the high -level event, declaring the abuse of drugs a national emergency that requires holistic and collaborative action.

“The theme of this year” The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention “is an alarm bell,” said Akume. “The abuse of drugs is destroying life, dismantling families and undermining our national development. We must act urgently and unity.”

Tinubu underlined the need for an increase in investments in education focused on youth and in the interventions based on the community that can curb experimentation and dependence before roots. He asked for accessible and stigma -free treatment and rehabilitation services, underlining that addiction is a public health problem, not a moral failure.

“Prevention saves life. But we must also guarantee safe treatment and reintegration for those who are already captured in the grip of addiction,” he said.

However, president of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (RETD.), He presented a picture that makes Nigeria’s drug panmaid reflect, revealing that over 14.3 million Nigerians use drugs almost three times the global average with only cannabis that represents 10.6 million users.

“Over 90% of violent criminals, including terrorists and kidnappers, is under the influence of drugs,” Marwa warned. “Drug abuse is not just a health problem, it is a threat to national security.”

Marwa highlighted the three -pointed approach of Ndlea: prevention, treatment and application. He noticed the success of the defense campaigns such as Save Our Families (Sof), the War Against Drug Abuse (Wada) initiative and the integration of drug education in the school curricula. He also revealed that over 26,000 people had been treated in 30 rehabilitation centers in the last 18 months, with seven other centers approved in the 2025 budget.

“Prevention is no longer optional; it is a national imperative,” said Marwa. “We have to stop the demand for drugs before you start.”

Representing the President of the Senate, Senator Ibrahim Darkwambo has held a speech on behalf of the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, strengthening the urgency of the strategies focused on prevention. Akpabio praised Ndlea’s efforts, but warned that the application alone would not win the battle.

“This war begins in the shadow in which schools are abandoned, families are broken and young people are neglected,” said Akpabio. “It is a war for the soul of our nation and must be fought with compassion, leadership and vision”.

He urged the governments at all levels to invest massively in education, public lighting and in the empowerment of young people, calling it “a strategic necessity, not a luxury”.

“We don’t just have to approve the laws, but implement them urgently. The real battle is in our classes, clinics and communities,” he added.

The event also saw a crucial intervention by the private sector, led by Dr. (Mrs.) Mosun Belo-Olusoga, president of the MTN Foundation, a long-standing partner of NDLEA in the awareness and rehabilitation initiatives of the community.

In his speech, Dr. Belousoga praised the unshakable commitment of the Ndlea and reaffirmed the commitment of the MTN Foundation to support national efforts to prevent drugs and recovery of drugs.

“The scope of the Nigeria drug crisis requires all hands on the bridge. Prevention and recovery must not be the burden of the government alone. The private sector must rise, expand and support support,” he said.

He underlined the importance of investing in young people through education, the formation of life skills, digital tools and mental health support, committing the continuous collaboration with NDLEA, UNODC and other interested parties.

“We believe in the power of partnerships and in the potential of every Nigerian youth to rise above dependence and lead a life life. This is why the MTN Foundation is proud to be part of this national movement for change,” he said.

Basic journalists report that the participants in the event have left a renewed sense of urgency, commitment and collaboration. Consent was clear: prevention work, treatment healing and partnerships provide results. United in Purpose, Nigeria has reiterated its determination to protect her future by addressing the crisis of drug abuse with evidence, empathy and lasting action.