By Ebenezer Mabinuola
The African Union Commission has identified Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as a key driver in shaping Africa’s next continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention. This recognition came on Monday, June 29, 2025, during an official visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja by a three-member AU delegation assessing the ongoing 2019–2025 Plan of Action and laying groundwork for the 2026–2030 strategy.
Led by Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention, the delegation emphasized the NDLEA’s critical role in law enforcement across Africa. “Finalizing a new plan without Nigeria’s input – especially that of the NDLEA – would leave a serious gap,” Akinola stated. The team also included Dr. Abiola Olaleye and Prof. Johan Strijdom.
Acknowledging NDLEA’s track record in generating data-driven insights, the AU officials explored avenues for deeper collaboration, including training, forensics, and canine detection.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), welcomed the AU’s consultative approach, warning that Africa faces a projected 40% surge in drug use, compared to a 10–11% global increase. He reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to regional cooperation, calling for immediate, united action to avert a crisis.
