“It is projected that the number of people using drugs will increase by 40% in Africa… Nigeria has one of the highest drug use prevalences in the world,” Marwa said.
NDLEA chairman Buba Marwa has warned that drug use in Africa is projected to rise by 40%, with Nigeria among the hardest hit. Speaking at a seminar in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, themed “Dangers of drug abuse, cultism and banditry among youths”, Marwa described substance abuse, cultism and banditry as interconnected threats.
He noted that Nigeria already ranks among countries with the highest drug use prevalence and risks severe consequences without urgent action. “As a nation and communities, we still possess the power to reverse this trend,” he said, urging parents, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to take a stand.
Marwa linked youth violence and cultism to drug abuse, warning cult groups have infiltrated secondary schools. He revealed NDLEA had arrested 67,345 traffickers in 54 months and seized over 11.2m kg of drugs. He urged communities to support NDLEA efforts, stressing that “the path to greatness is not paved with shortcuts of violence and drugs.”