Chairman of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has issued a stark warning over the rapidly escalating drug use across Africa, forecasting a surge as high as 40%—a figure far surpassing global projections.
Marwa raised the alarm on Monday while hosting a delegation from the African Union Commission at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja. The AU team was on an assessment mission to review the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025) and consult on the framework for the 2026–2030 agenda.
Drug Use in Africa Rising Four Times Faster Than Global Average
In a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Marwa noted that while global drug use is projected to rise by 10–11%, Africa is on course for a 40% increase, underscoring the urgency of a collective response.
“This disparity signals a looming crisis that demands coordinated and accelerated action. We deeply appreciate the AU’s leadership and commend your proactive efforts,” Marwa stated.
He urged member nations and stakeholders to adopt a more evidence-based and data-driven approach to tackling drug abuse and trafficking across the continent.
AU Commission Commends NDLEA’s Strategic Role
Leading the delegation, Dr. Olubusayo Akinola praised the NDLEA for its frontline efforts in drug enforcement and policy development.
“You are at the forefront when it comes to drug control in Africa,” she said, adding that the agency’s consistent contribution of critical data and field intelligence has played a significant role in shaping AU drug policies.
The AU team expressed particular interest in expanding technical cooperation with Nigeria in areas such as:
Forensic science
Drug epidemiology
Canine detection units
Capacity building and training
Time for Unified African Action
Marwa lauded the AU’s commitment to field-based policy review, noting that consultations with national agencies like the NDLEA bring realism and effectiveness to regional plans.
“Policy must reflect what is happening on the ground. We are glad the AU is prioritising implementation, not just documentation,” he said.
The engagement signals a growing consensus among African leaders that drug control must be central to security, public health, and youth development agendas.
As Africa edges closer to its demographic peak, stakeholders warn that neglecting the drug crisis could erode the continent’s human capital gains, destabilise communities, and hinder sustainable development.
