By Ibironke Ariyo/Adebayo Gbeja
The European Union (EU), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have pledged support for Nigeria’s 2026–2030 drug control plan.
The support is aimed at tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The EU, UNODC and ECOWAS gave the assurance in their remarks at the opening session of a two-day National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) Consultative Forum organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday in Abuja.
The Deputy Head of the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Zissimos Vergos, said that the EU was prepared to assist Nigeria in its ongoing drug control efforts.
“Our presence here today is that of partners who have walked this uphill and rough road ourselves, and we continue doing that.
“We have learned valuable lessons from them, and we believe deeply that Nigeria’s stability and Europe’s security are inseparable.
“What affects the youth of Maiduguri or the streets of Ibadan does not stay within Nigerian borders,” he said.
Vergos said that drug trafficking was a transnational challenge, hence, the master plan laid before the forum was Nigeria’s contribution to a transnational response.
He said Nigeria possessed the talent, institutions and experience needed to overcome challenges, noting that the new roadmap provided a fresh direction.
He assured that the EU remained committed to partnering with the country in its implementation.
“I think we owe this to every Nigerian family that has been touched by addiction, by trafficking, by grief, or by the quiet despair of watching someone they love lose themselves.
“The same applies for every European family. Let us not leave this forum without giving them reason for hope.
“The EU has also updated its own drug strategy and action plan. One of its main pillars is stronger international cooperation. We are here today to affirm this.”
He, however, commended the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA, as well as other stakeholders, for their dedication and commitment to the agency’s mandate.
“I think together we can turn the master plan into tangible progress, saving lives, securing communities, and fostering a healthier, safer future for Nigeria, for West Africa, for the African continent, for Europe, for the world,” he added.
In his goodwill message, UNODC Country Representative, Mr Chiekh Touré, noted that the world was currently witnessing a profound shift in the drug landscape.
This, he said is particularly with the rise of synthetic drugs, the increased sophistication of trafficking networks and the use of technology to expand illicit markets.
“Nigeria stands at the intersections of this.
“This underscores the urgency in developing a master plan that is not only comprehensive and balanced, but also data-driven, forward-looking, and adaptable to emerging threats,” he said.
According to him, the UNODC partnership with NDLEA and the Government of Nigeria is growing from strengthening law enforcement capacity to advancing drug demand reduction.
This, he added, would promote evidence-based prevention and treatment, and enhancing international cooperation.
“As we look ahead, we see this master plan as an opportunity to deepen impact, to strengthen data systems and to reinforce institution across all levels of governance.
“It is also to ensure that the response is people-centred, inclusive, and sustainable.
“Let me assure you that UNODC will continue to stand with Nigeria as a committed partner, bringing global expertise, technical support, and shared vision for a safer and healthier society in Nigeria, West Africa, and in Africa”, he said.
The Commissioner, Human Development and Social Affairs, ECOWAS Commission, Dr Daniel Amankwaah, said that the Nigerian master plan was paramount to the ECOWAS Commission.
Amankwaah said that this was because some of the contents used by member states were generated from the initiative.
He described the development as a crucial moment, while expressing satisfaction that the support provided to the NDLEA had been effectively utilised, with visible results already being recorded.
“I want to just convey our message that ECOWAS Commission is ever ready and we are going to accompany you.
“It is not only to have this plan in place, but also during the implementation so that we will make our society safer than what we have,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Sadiya Hamza
