News
President Tinubu rallies support for drug war, assures NDLEA of more help
President Tinubu rallies support for drug war, assures NDLEA of more help
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu has given express support to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as well as its ramped-up efforts to prevent the Nigerian populace from falling prey to the drug scourge.
The President gave the assurance on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, otherwise known as World Drug Day on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre Abuja.
Speaking on the theme of the day, which is “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said: “I enjoin all and sundry to support the War Against Drug Abuse initiative, otherwise known as the WADA campaign, launched by NDLEA three years ago. I commend and urge everyone to redouble their efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
“On this score, I wish to reassure you of this administration’s support. The Renewed Hope Agenda places the youth at the centre of its focus. Therefore, we ensure that our young people are protected from anything that could derail their future or destroy their potential.”
The President, while noting that illicit drugs and substances have wreaked havoc on individuals, families, communities and countries worldwide, said: “In the face of such a formidable challenge, prevention is the most potent weapon that we can deploy. Prevention not only saves lives; it also saves resources that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation. It empowers individuals to make informed choices, promotes healthy lifestyles and creates resilient communities capable of withstanding the pressures of drug abuse.
“Investing in prevention is not merely a moral imperative, a prudent way of safeguarding our future. By allocating resources towards evidence-based prevention programmes, we can break the vicious cycle of drug abuse and protect our youth from falling prey to the menace.”
The President added that “The assignment before us as a country requires that we prioritise evidence-based prevention strategies, allocate adequate resources and foster partnerships for greater impact.”
He consequently gave strong assurances that: “This government will support NDLEA to build on the success recorded in the past few years. We shall work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that we have positive statistics from the next national drug use survey that will be conducted in the country.”
He urged all Nigerians to join hands in this noble cause, noting that: “This is an assignment for all patriotic citizens of this country, including religious leaders, traditional leaders, educational institutions, opinion leaders, and civil society organisations.”
He noted that: “NDLEA has created a formidable platform for cooperation vis-à-vis its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative.”
In his welcome remark, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) said that the ‘Save Our Families’ social advocacy campaign launched at the ceremony by the President, is designed to prevent and tackle drug use through early detection and intervention by making the Agency’s newly produced special drug test kits a necessity in every home, schools and workplaces.
According to him, “The Agency has introduced the Drug Integrity Test initiative anticipated to metamorphose into an anti-drug culture for every Nigerian. The test is intended for secondary school students, students seeking admission into tertiary institutions and returning students, workers in government and private offices and individuals seeking political offices as well as prospective couples before taking their marriage vows. The drug test will serve as a tool for the prevention of drug use and early detection of the individual’s status of drug use for the purpose of appropriate intervention including treatment and rehabilitation. Let me also add that our drug integrity test, which has been adopted by some government institutions and tertiary institutions in the country, is a preventive mechanism.
“As a result, we have produced tens of thousands of special test kits capable of detecting 15 different substances, now available in all our commands across the country. This is for use in homes, schools, workplaces and others. Apart from helping in early detection of drug abuse especially by our youths so that we can get them help in form of treatment, this will also create some deterrence effects.”
Speaking on the theme for this year’s World Drug Day, Marwa said drug use prevention lies at the heart of NDLEA’s strategy in addressing the drug problem because it is far more effective and cost-efficient to prevent drug abuse than to deal with its consequences.
Marwa said: “In this regard, we have used our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative to campaign vigorously at the grassroots and create awareness for our people to shun illicit substances. WADA is a sensitization and advocacy initiative that employs the whole of society approach to engage all stakeholders including the Government sectors, institutions, and Non-Governmental Organisations with emphasis on youths in and out of school, community gatekeepers including traditional and community leaders, as well as religious leaders among others. I am proud to state that the programme has been a tremendous success as an effective tool of advocacy for social action and an awareness driven vehicle for public engagement and collaboration against the drug scourge.
“For instance, between 2021 and 2024, the Agency embarked on 6,423 sensitization and education programmes targeting young people in school and 987 programmes for Out of School youths in order to create awareness on the dangers associated with drug use. This is in addition to the millions of homes reached with our anti-substance abuse messages through our aggressive and impactful media campaigns using various traditional and new media platforms.”
He noted that apart from the various plans and initiatives deployed as preventive measures against the availability and access of illicit substances as well as their abuse by citizens, the Agency has been providing counselling and treatment for people struggling with drug dependence across 30 of its treatment and counselling centres nationwide where 33, 453 drug users had been treated in three and a half years.
The outgoing UNODC Country Representative, Dr. Oliver Stolpe also made a number of recommendations. “After the exceptionally successful testing of the school-based drug prevention programme UNPLUGGED involving half a million secondary school children in Nigeria, the programme should be rolled out to all 28, 000 public and private secondary schools. We need to enhance the resilience against drug use among the millions of out-of-school children, for example through sports-based initiatives such as LINE UP LIVE UP (LULU). Furthermore, we need to strengthen families in their ability to recognise and address drug use in effective and constructive ways.”
Stolpe further said: “Most importantly, there is an urgent need to repeat the 2018 national drug use survey. Without up-to-date data, there is no way in which we can assess whether our collective efforts have long-term impact and address the actual priorities.”
The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, who emphasized the importance of testing in schools expressed the ministry’s support for NDLEA drug test campaign while he called on agencies of government “to work together and support all these efforts.”
According to him: “The most important place where this prevention fight should start is the education sector. And we will do our own part, even last week, it was something we considered and promised to review the existing policies so that we can work with NDLEA to take it to secondary schools and primary schools. To establish at all levels compulsory and sustained testing. It has to be compulsory and sustained, right through the years and period of their education.”
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Hon. Abass Adigun on his part called for more budgetary provisions for NDLEA in the face of its multi-faceted mandate. “We at the national assembly are ready to work with the NDLEA and we need the federal government to look into this.”
Others who spoke in the same light include Senator Sadiq Umar who represented the Senate President; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Chairman of MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi and guest lecturer at the event, Dr. Vincent Udenze of Intersect Consortium, among others.
President Tinubu rallies support for drug war, assures NDLEA of more help
ActionAid Demands Passage of Special Seats Bill as Nigeria Marks International Women’s Day
By: Michael Mike
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day 2026, ActionAid Nigeria has called for urgent political and institutional reforms to end the persistent marginalisation of women, warning that gender inequality continues to undermine democratic governance and social justice in the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the organisation said the continued underrepresentation of women in governance and the widespread prevalence of gender-based violence highlight a deep structural imbalance that requires immediate government intervention.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” must translate into real policy actions rather than ceremonial commitments.
He noted that despite the existence of several legal and policy frameworks aimed at protecting women’s rights, millions of Nigerian women still face violence, discrimination and exclusion from decision-making spaces.
Citing figures from the National Bureau of Statistics Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, the organisation revealed that about 30 per cent of Nigerian women aged between 15 and 49—an estimated 35.65 million people—have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Additionally, around nine per cent of women, representing more than 10 million individuals, have suffered sexual violence.
ActionAid also raised concerns over Nigeria’s poor record in women’s political representation. According to data referenced from the World Bank, women occupy less than four per cent of seats in the National Assembly of Nigeria, with only 20 female lawmakers out of the 469-member legislature.
The organisation further observed that while states such as Anambra State and Lagos State have made modest progress in promoting women’s participation in governance, at least 15 states—including Kano State and Sokoto State—currently have no women serving in their state assemblies.
The group also highlighted the education gap affecting girls, referencing data from UNICEF which shows that Nigeria remains among countries with the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with girls disproportionately affected, particularly in northern communities.
According to ActionAid, the statistics represent real-life struggles faced by millions of girls forced to abandon education due to poverty and harmful cultural practices, as well as survivors of sexual and gender-based violence who often encounter stigma and weak justice systems.
While acknowledging the role of civil society organisations and development partners in advancing women’s empowerment programmes, the organisation said systemic obstacles within governance structures continue to slow meaningful progress.
ActionAid Nigeria noted that between 2019 and 2024, it implemented one of the country’s largest women’s rights programmes, supporting more than one million women through economic empowerment initiatives, political participation platforms and gender-based violence prevention programmes.
However, the organisation stressed that structural reforms remain critical, particularly the proposed Special Seats Bill, which seeks to reserve 74 legislative seats for women as a temporary measure to address the severe gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political institutions.
It described the bill as a transformative reform capable of significantly improving women’s political participation and strengthening inclusive governance.
ActionAid therefore urged federal and state governments to prioritise gender-responsive public investments, improve access to healthcare and education for women and girls, and strengthen justice mechanisms to ensure timely responses to cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
The organisation also called on Nigeria’s First Lady to champion the passage of the Special Seats Bill as a landmark initiative that could reshape the country’s democratic landscape and expand opportunities for women in leadership.
It further appealed to international development partners to increase funding for women-led organisations and protect civic spaces where women’s rights advocates operate.
ActionAid Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders across the country to build a society where women and girls can live free from violence, exercise their rights fully and participate meaningfully in shaping Nigeria’s future.
ActionAid Demands Passage of Special Seats Bill as Nigeria Marks International Women’s Day
FG Releases Emergency Contacts for Nigerians in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has released emergency contact numbers for Nigerian nationals residing in the Middle East as tensions continue to escalate across the region.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria in Abuja, the government urged Nigerians living in affected countries to immediately register with the nearest Nigerian diplomatic mission and maintain close communication with officials for guidance and assistance.
The ministry said the contact numbers have been activated to support Nigerians who may require urgent assistance due to the ongoing security situation in parts of the Middle East.
According to the statement, affected citizens are advised to remain calm, follow directives issued by local authorities, and keep in touch with Nigerian embassies and consulates for updates regarding safety measures and possible evacuation arrangements.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform Nigerian nationals in the Middle East that communication channels have been established through the various Nigerian missions in the region,” the statement said.
It added that Nigerians who require emergency support should reach out to the missions through the following phone numbers:
Emergency Contact Numbers for Nigerian Missions in the Middle East
Iran: +989393216872, +989024165493
Israel: +972543340414, +972503673175
Jordan: +962795669949, +962799430414
Lebanon: +96181669403, +96170848080
Qatar: +97466802029, +97450733786
Saudi Arabia: +966503862894, +966532198524
United Arab Emirates: +971504252546, +971503761332
The ministry stressed that the Nigerian missions are working closely with host governments and international partners to monitor developments and ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.
Authorities also reiterated that Nigerians in the region should remain where they are until further instructions are issued, particularly in areas where security conditions remain fluid.
The government assured that contingency plans are being coordinated should evacuation become necessary, noting that diplomatic missions have been placed on alert to provide consular assistance to citizens in distress.
The advisory comes amid rising regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, a development that has prompted several countries to issue safety alerts to their nationals in the Middle East.
Officials said further updates would be communicated through Nigerian missions and official government channels as the situation evolves.
FG Releases Emergency Contacts for Nigerians in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
Nigeria Issues Emergency Contacts for Citizens in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
By: Michael Mike
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria) has released emergency contact details for Nigerian citizens residing across the Middle East as tensions continue to escalate in parts of the region.
In a public advisory issued in Abuja on Saturday, the ministry urged Nigerians affected by the ongoing crisis to immediately reach out to the nearest Nigerian diplomatic missions and ensure they are properly registered with the embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
The advisory, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa said the move was aimed at strengthening communication between Nigerian authorities and citizens who may require urgent assistance.
According to the statement, Nigerian missions across the region have activated established communication channels to provide support, including emergency guidance and possible evacuation coordination where necessary.
“Nigerian citizens affected by the ongoing crisis should contact the following mobile numbers in case of emergency and also ensure that they are registered with the respective embassy or consulate in their country of residence,” the statement said.
The ministry listed several diplomatic missions and dedicated emergency lines for Nigerians across the region, including the Embassy of Nigeria, Tehran in Iran, the Embassy of Nigeria, Tel Aviv in Israel, and the Embassy of Nigeria, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Other missions providing emergency contacts include the Consulate-General of Nigeria, Dubai, the Embassy of Nigeria, Kuwait which also covers Bahrain, the Embassy of Nigeria, Doha in Qatar, the Embassy of Nigeria, Beirut in Lebanon, the Embassy of Nigeria, Riyadh and the Consulate-General of Nigeria, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, as well as the Embassy of Nigeria, Amman in Jordan which also covers Iraq.
The ministry stressed that Nigerians in the region should remain vigilant, stay in contact with diplomatic missions and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities.
The advisory comes amid heightened security tensions across parts of the Middle East, prompting several countries to activate emergency support mechanisms for their citizens abroad.
Officials said the Nigerian government continues to monitor the situation closely through its embassies and consulates while exploring measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians living and working in the region.
Nigeria Issues Emergency Contacts for Citizens in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
ActionAid Demands Passage of Special Seats Bill as Nigeria Marks International Women’s Day
FG Releases Emergency Contacts for Nigerians in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
Nigeria Issues Emergency Contacts for Citizens in Middle East Amid Escalating Crisis
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
