The chairman of the National Anti-Drug Agency (NDLEA) retired Brig. General Buba Marwa, on Monday in Abuja, unveiled the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) aimed at tackling drug trafficking and abuse in the country.

The five-year plan to be developed between 2021 and 2025 was developed with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), civil society organizations and other key stakeholders.

It was a major update of the previous three national plans, which were largely not fully implemented.

Marwa, represented by the secretary, Mr. Shadrach Haruna, said that the plan would address the drug problems in the country and their associated consequences.

She explained that the master plan was based on four main pillars to address the drug problem in a comprehensive, balanced way, focused on human rights and with a gender perspective.

The four pillars include reducing the supply and demand of medicines, access to controlled medicines for medical and scientific purposes, as well as governance and coordination.

“All of this addresses drug problems in a comprehensive, balanced, human rights-centered and gender-sensitive manner. Aside from its functionality, NDCMP 2021-2025 is a symbol of continuity and progress in the Nigerian government’s effort to address the evolving drug situation.

“It is the result of two years of coordinated, collaborative and multi-agency efforts that include experts from all relevant government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as civil society organizations (CSOs).

“An effective campaign against the production, trafficking and abuse of illicit substances requires a proactive, global and results-oriented Modus Operandi that is consistent with globally acceptable standards and practices,” he said.

The head of NDLEA said that NDCMP 2021-2025 provided the necessary twist regarding strategic direction, effective prioritization, collaboration and inclusion of all relevant partners and stakeholders.

“I want to state unequivocally that I have no doubt that the mechanisms, methodologies and strategic frameworks of the NDCMP 2021–2015 would help. When implemented, we would substantially win the war against the abuse and trafficking of controlled drugs and illicit substances.

“Furthermore, with the expected active support and collaboration of all stakeholders, in addition to drastically reducing the scourge of drugs, we also effectively mitigate the harm caused by illicit drugs. Our ultimate goal is to promote the health, safety and well-being of all who live in Nigeria,” he said.

Marwa said the document was the roadmap to achieve those goals, adding that the 2021-2025 NDCMP was the steering wheel for all drug control campaigns currently taking place in the country.

He added that the document not only addressed relevant issues, but also filled in the gaps identified in ongoing responses.

Speaking, the Federation’s Attorney General, Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, who introduced the document, said it was central to Nigeria’s approach to addressing the threat of drug abuse.

Malami, who was represented by Aikhomu, said the current administration was committed to decisively addressing the problem of drug abuse in the country.

UNODC Country Representative Oliver Stolpe expected the master plan to have more impact than its predecessors.

Stolpe expressed his confidence in the leadership of NDLEA and the agency’s partners in addressing the problem of drug abuse.

Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare said the country’s future was in jeopardy, except the growing threat of drug abuse was halted.

Dare said the launch of the master plan was of great importance in the battle against the devastating effects of drug abuse.

In addition, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, expressed her concern about the growing addiction to drugs among women and girls.

Tallen said it was a dangerous trend that should be stopped, “since the country cannot go any further than addressing the problem of drug abuse.”

(NAN)

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