L-R: Representative of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola; representative of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Kana; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa and the representative of the Country Director UNODC, Dr Akanidomo Ibanga, during the opening ceremony of the National Drug Use Summit organized by NDLEA in partnership with the ministry and UNDOC in Abuja on July 10, 2026.
By Peace Udugba
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), on Saturday inaugurated the National Drug Use Summit in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s response to substance abuse and other drug-related challenges.
The opening ceremony attracted key government officials, development partners and stakeholders, including the representative of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Olufowobi-Yusuf Adeola; the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen.
Mohammed Buba Marwa; and the representative of the UNODC Country Director, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga.
The summit brings together policymakers, healthcare professionals, security agencies, civil society organisations and international development partners to deliberate on practical strategies for preventing drug abuse, improving treatment and rehabilitation services, and strengthening collaboration in addressing the growing challenge of illicit drug use in Nigeria.
Participants are expected to examine emerging trends in substance abuse, identify policy gaps and recommend sustainable interventions aimed at reducing the demand for illicit drugs while enhancing access to prevention, treatment and recovery services.
The organisers said the summit reflects the commitment of the Federal Government, the NDLEA and its partners to promoting public health, strengthening drug control measures and protecting communities from the harmful effects of substance abuse.
