NDLEA Plays Key Role in Africa’s Drug Control and Crime Prevention Agenda — AU Commission
The African Union (AU) Commission has underscored the pivotal role of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in shaping Africa’s strategy on drug control and crime prevention, noting that any future action plan would be incomplete without the agency’s contribution.
This affirmation came on Monday during a working visit to the NDLEA’s headquarters in Abuja by a three-member delegation from the AU Commission. The team, led by Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention, included Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer, and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.
Their mission was to assess progress on the implementation of the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025) and gather insights for the development of the next phase covering 2026 to 2030.
Dr. Akinola explained that the visit was part of a broader effort to review how the current plan is being executed across member states and to identify any shortcomings or emerging trends. “We are here to understand the level of implementation on the ground. NDLEA’s work is well recognized, and your input is crucial to finalizing the next action plan. You are at the forefront of drug law enforcement in Africa,” she stated.
The AU delegation praised NDLEA for its consistent delivery of high-quality, policy-relevant data, which they said has played a major role in informing the Commission’s drug control efforts over the years. The visit also aimed to assess the current national strategies, pinpoint institutional and operational gaps, and explore possible areas for technical support — including capacity building, forensic science, and canine detection units.
Welcoming the team, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), emphasized the significance of the AU’s hands-on approach. He noted that the Commission’s direct engagement with national institutions signals a commitment to developing practical and evidence-based policies.
“We are particularly glad the AU is going beyond theory and working closely with stakeholders across the continent,” Marwa said. “This approach will certainly help develop a more responsive and effective framework.”
Marwa also raised concerns over Africa’s escalating drug problem. While global drug use is projected to rise by 10–11%, the continent could face a surge as high as 40%. “This sharp increase points to a looming public health and security crisis. We commend the AU’s leadership and look forward to intensified collaboration,” he added.
