FG committed to fighting drug trafficking, abuse – Shettima… 

The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as part of efforts to curtail the global drug problem, even as it said it would continue to provide necessary support and tools for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to fulfil its mandate.

Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the assurances on behalf of the President on Tuesday while declaring open the 31st meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa, in Abuja.

The President said, “This administration will continue to provide the necessary support, motivation, and tools for the NDLEA to fulfil its mandate. We understand the connection between the success of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking and the attainment of several goals on our socio-economic and security agenda.

“For us, the commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative. We recognize that a population at war with drugs is not a dividend but a liability. We believe that the future of our youth, the strength of our institutions, and the well-being of our communities depend on our ability to eradicate this threat.

“So, I must appeal to you to see this gathering as an avenue for the exchange of novel ideas and the development of practical strategies. We must consolidate established contacts, operational partnerships, and cooperation to ensure that the outcomes of this four-day deliberation advance public safety and the emergence of drug-free African communities.

“Our strength has always been our proactive actions to prevent any individual or group from turning our countries into a minefield of drug trafficking. So, we must prioritise prevention, education, and rehabilitation to empower our youth with knowledge and opportunities. We must steer them away from the treacherous path of drug abuse and trafficking and protect our economy from the consequences of their actions.

While emphasising the threat posed to countries due to the drug scourge, the President further urged participants attending the conference to seize the opportunity of the gathering to come up with novel strategies to dismantle drug cartels across the African continent.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), while citing the details of the 2023 world drug report as a challenge for Africa, charged his counterparts across the African continent to strengthen operational networks and raise the bar in the drug war.

Also speaking at the event, Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Oliver Stolpe, said the drug problem had changed from what it used to be 20 years ago.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, of UNODC, Ghada Waly, and the Chairman of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs who both spoke via video messages expressed support for the gathering and charged delegates to maximise the opportunities provided by the platform.