By John Moses
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have jointly unveiled a series of events to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with a renewed focus on prevention as a key strategy in the global war on drugs.
At a joint press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (Retired), announced that the 2025 World Drug Day (WDD), observed annually on 26 June, would be celebrated under the theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
“This year’s theme sets the tone for our activities over the next 12 months and underscores the urgent need to prioritise prevention in tackling the drug crisis,” Marwa said.
A week-long line-up of activities will culminate in a grand commemorative event on Thursday, 26 June, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
Highlights of the awareness campaign include:
A Juma’at prayer service at the National Mosque on Friday, 20 June.
A “Walk Against Drug Abuse” in partnership with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja on Saturday, 21 June at the university’s Gwagwalada campus.
A thanksgiving service at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in Abuja on Sunday, 22 June.
A school essay competition themed “Why I Must Not Take Drugs”, set for Monday, 23 June, where children will present their work at NDLEA’s headquarters.
Marwa said Tuesday, 24 June, will focus on reaching out-of-school youth through awareness campaigns in markets and motor parks across the Federal Capital Territory.
Also speaking at the briefing, UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Toure, represented by Danilo Campisi, highlighted the broader implications of drug trafficking, linking it to transnational crimes such as human trafficking, illegal mining, and environmental degradation.
He warned that profits from the drug trade frequently finance violent extremist groups, thereby fuelling regional instability.
“In spite of these interconnected challenges, we commend the NDLEA’s bold efforts to curb both supply and demand,” Campisi said. “UNODC is proud to support this important mission.”
