The African Union (AU) Commission has emphasised that the ongoing development of a new continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention would be incomplete without
By Ibironke Ariyo
The African Union (AU) Commission has emphasised that the ongoing development of a new continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention would be incomplete without contributions from Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Dr Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control, and Crime Prevention at the AU Commission, made this remark on Monday in Abuja during an assessment visit to the NDLEA National Headquarters.
Akinola led a three-member delegation including Dr Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer, and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.
He explained that the visit was aimed at evaluating the implementation of the current African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019–2025).
It also sought to gather insights for the development of a new plan covering 2026 to 2030.
“We’re here to understand the status of implementation of the continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention.
“The new plan won’t be complete without NDLEA’s input. You are on the forefront of law enforcement on the entire continent,” Akinola said.
The AU delegation commended NDLEA for its consistent provision of critical, policy-relevant data, which had helped shape the commission’s work over the years.
The team emphasised the need to identify institutional and operational gaps and explore potential areas for technical assistance.
“These include capacity building, forensic science, canine detection units, and other strategic enablers of effective drug control.”
Welcoming the delegation, NDLEA Chairman, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, underscored the importance of the mission and said he chose to receive the team personally due to the strategic nature of their engagement.
“We are particularly pleased that the African Union is approaching implementation as more than a theoretical exercise.
“Field consultations like this ensure a pragmatic and responsive framework,” Marwa said.
He also highlighted the urgency of Africa’s drug crisis, pointing out that while global projections estimated a 10–11 per cent increase in drug use prevalence, Africa could face a surge of up to 40 per cent.
“This disparity signals a looming crisis that demands coordinated and accelerated action.
“We deeply appreciate the AU’s leadership and proactive engagement in tackling this challenge,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)