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The World See Competence in Nigerian Women – Ajayi, Nigeria’s candidate for UN top job

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2 months ago

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The World See Competence in Nigerian Women – Ajayi, Nigeria’s candidate for UN top job

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s Candidate for the position of Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Eniola Ajayi, is another Nigerian woman gunning for a top job at the global stage after Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Amina Mohammed are making great impacts at that level, in a chat with journalists in Abuja in the former Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary and the Netherlands noted that Nigerian women competencies are seen on the global stage and that is what market then for high stake job globally, excerpts

Why your decision to vie for the position of the Director General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons?

When you say decision, it is like it was totally up to me. But the truth is, some of my colleagues recognised the fact that I could do the job; they contacted me that have I thought about it? And even after thinking about it, because it is a country position, it is not up to me, my country has to nominate me. So, yes, I put up my application, knowing that I had been encouraged to participate and I requested the nomination of my government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then, the president graciously approved my nomination and put it forward to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

In one of your recent interviews, you said that you are a bridge between science and diplomacy. What do you mean by that?

In fact, this is an auspicious day for you to understand it. I am at this event that you are interviewing me; it is called Family of Optometric Mentors. My training as a person is first of all as an optometrist and an ocular pathologist. So, I am an eye doctor by profession. But sometime in my life, precisely 2017 to 2023, I served as the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria first to Hungary, with concurrent accreditation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia and subsequently, I was cross posted to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2021 as the ambassador of Nigeria still for a second tour of duty. This time, I was also the permanent representative of Nigeria to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Criminal Court, International Court of Justice and Common Fund for Commodities. So, when I say I am a bridge between science and diplomacy, it is because my background is science and I am also a trained diplomat. A diplomat twice recognised by my country and also recognised by my peers because at some point in our journey, I became the first and current chairperson of the FGN Women Ambassadors Network – ambassadors of Nigeria past, present and future; that is the body that caters for that.

Moving from being an eye doctor to diplomacy, how has it been?

It has been wonderful. My career is very interesting. I started my career in the military as a civilian staff. I worked in the Nigeria Air Force, including my service year for 20 years and then, I started my practice. While doing private practice, I was invited to be the commissioner for education, science and technology in Ekiti State before I became the commissioner for environment somewhere along the journey. And then, I was also encouraged to contest for the House of Representatives, representing Ekiti Central Constituency Twoin 2015. When that election didn’t go as we envisaged, I was nominated as the ambassador to represent Ekiti State and that was how I became an ambassador under President Buhari and retained for a few months until all ambassadors were recalled under the current president, President Tinubu.

If elected into this position, what will you bring to bear on the job? What do you want to achieve?

There are a lot of things I want to achieve. My vision for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, they are quite a lot, but I will mention a few: the first one is what we call the universality of the convention. What do I mean? There are 193 countries accredited to OPCW right now. Theonly four countries that are not in the OPCW are Israel, Egypt, South Sudan and North Korea. And even Israel has signed the convention, it is just yet to ratify. So, what I intend to do is to make sure that all the countries of the world sign up to the convention so that we can get a universal convention.
The other one is that there are some outstanding dossiers like the Syria dossier. They have declared some chemical weapons, but we have not concluded the work in that area of verification. So, I intend to ensure a timely and speedy conclusion of that particular dossier.
Then, not in the order of priority, I intend to be able to use artificial intelligence in an ethical manner, while serving as the DG of OPCW. They currently use it in the OPCW, but I will further look into how we can use artificial intelligence to our advantage.
The fourth is budgeting. I will ensure that the budget is, number one, smart and fit for purpose. It will match the priorities of the organization to the point that the emergingthreats, because right now, the OPCW has achieved a lot. We have done like 99 percent of the declared chemical weapons. We have been able to verify that. So, in that regard, you could say there is not a lot to do in that direction. But when you look at the fact that there are also emerging threats from what you call rogue regimes and non-state actors who still try to use chemical weapons, then there is a lot of work and focus in that area. There is also the issue of abandoned chemical weapons. So, what I am saying is that the budget of the organization will be fit for purpose, will take care of the new phase of the organization and the emerging threats that could occur in the future.
There is the issue of diversity. Diversity in the sense that the organisation will reflect the nature of its composition – the people that work there in the technical secretariat, I will ensure that there is diversity and there is gender equity; more women representation and representation across geopolitical groups.
I would also make sure that I pay attention to emerging threats for our world. I would ensure we have a focus and forward-thinking leadership for the organization. And then, there will be obvious global cooperation amongst the state parties.
Right now, we live in a very polarised world. I will see how I can be a bridge-builder, bringing everybody together to focus on the core reason why the convention came about in the first place, which is to rid the world of chemical weapons, so that chemical weapons will not be used by anyone, at anytime, and anywhere in the world going forward. So, I will ensure that there is proper collaboration, there is less polarisation within the organisation and see how we can build a consensus around the issues that matter regarding the prohibition of chemical weapons.

If elected, what would your position bring to Nigeria and perhaps the rest of Africa?

Right now, what you need to know is, first of all, even the moral standing that it gives Nigeria is that Nigeria is very concerned about the security architecture of the world. It brings a lot of respect and honour that Nigeria is paying attention to the security of the world, especially to be able to attain peace and well-being for the citizens of the world. But when you come back home and say, okay, so what’s in it for us? The thing is this, like begets like. Part of why I’m doing this now is to create an awareness about the organisation. Many people, when I tell them, oh, the president has nominated me for the position of Director General at OPCW, they’re like, what is OPCW? And then I have to say it’s the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. I have to try and explain. So what will happen when I become the DG of OPCW is that more Nigerians, and even by your work today, become aware of this organisation. You cannot apply for a job you don’t know anything about. So like begets like.
When a Nigerian, an African is in that position, more nations of Africa will take notice. We have the talent, we have the people, but if they don’t know anything is happening somewhere, they cannot partake of it. So that is what it would do for Nigeria.
It would give us a lot of respect on the international stage. It would also give us access. That means I’ll have access to many places in the world that otherwise I would have not had access to. And that exposure will create opportunity and access also for my people in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. And this organisation has had four DGs since its inception. The first two are from GULAC, that’s Latin America and the Caribbean. The next two, including the current one, are from the West European group. You understand? So having an African and a woman will be the first for the organisation. I’m sure all of you are familiar with Ben Suda, who was the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Many of us took notice of that particular organisation.

What are your chances?

My chances are pretty good actually.
Let me tell you why. First of all, when I was the permanent representative to OPCW, I had the opportunity of holding critical positions within the organisation. I was vice chairman for two consecutive terms, representing Africa. And while I was doing that, I now doubled as the chairperson for what we call the Chemical Industry Cluster and other Article 6 issues. Now, that exposed me to the organisation. But I was also fortunate to be made the chairperson of the Executive Council for the 99th session of council at the OPCW. And this happened at a critical juncture in the organisation’s history. What do I mean? It was about five days after the conflict in Ukraine started. So everybody had expected a rancorous session. And it was really a tense moment. But I managed to do the three days of the Executive Council in a timeless manner. And at the end of the three days, we were able to adopt a report. That was what actually showcased me to the rest of my colleagues. Because I had only just arrived in the Netherlands a few months before, I had to take on the chairperson’s role in the Executive Council. So having led the organisation in a way that was practicable, that everybody can see, that’s number one.
I don’t want to compare myself to anyone, but I’ll tell you I’m one of the few of those contestants who actually have worked at that level in the organisation. Apart from that, while I was in The Hague, I conducted myself in a way that was obvious, that I’m a firm, friendly, and fair person. I was able to carry people along and to be a bridge builder in every sense of the word.
I had a lot of good relationships while I was in The Hague. So I demonstrated capacity. I also demonstrated the ability to rally people around. And I demonstrated the capacity to act as a leader under pressure. Even in my interactions since this race began, my nomination was in May this year. And the race to become the DG of OPCW actually began June 2nd, where we had interactions with regional groups. First Africa, Asia, East European group, West European group, and then the RULAC group. In all my interactions, and even before we did a presentation of all candidates to the Executive Council on July 7th, I was able to give a good account of myself, and the feedbacks I got were positive. And some state parties will tell you categorically, when I also started doing bilateral consultations with them, they are thinking about me.
You know what I mean. Statements like, your priorities clearly align with ours. Things like, you are in our top three.
You know, out of the level. And the way the straw polls are done is such that the organisation is seeking to get a consensus candidate from all of us. So it’s not like they are just going to vote once, or vote for one person. They are going to give points to candidates. And I know that I have a broad appeal across the five regional groups. So, that’s why I believe I have a good chance.
And then, you know, there are times that things are just tacked up in your favour. I’m a woman, and I believe this organisation is poised to elect its first female DG. Secondly, I am also an African. I know that they believe there is no routine rule that it must be rotated around the regions. But the African group and the GRULAC, having done it two times each, I think it’s only fair that the other regions should get a chance. So right now, the groups that have not been DG are the East European group, the Asia group, and the African group. And Asia did not present any candidates. So it’s between Africa and the East European group. And each of us, we have four candidates.
So, I believe I actually have a very good chance.

Many believe that women are not given opportunities in government in the country. But you seem to be making impacts internationally. At least, we have Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Amina Mohammed there. And hopefully you. What do you think you are showcasing there that folks back home do not seem to be seeing?

Okay. Thank you very much.
What we show out there is that we have a lot of competence. But it’s not only international people that see it. Even Nigerians abroad see it. Everyone who comes in contact with a quality woman sees it. I’ll explain. When I was in Hungary and they asked me to come and make a presentation to their chamber of commerce, I didn’t really have enough materials to take.
It just occurred to me that this is not rocket science. Let me do something myself. So I did my first publication, Nigerian Land of Opportunities. And then I did the next one, Arts, Culture and Tourism. I also took the cultural troupe of Ekiti to Budapest. And, of course, showcased them to the diplomatic community and our community over there.
And then during the COVID years, I was like, what will I be doing with my time? Precisely 2020, I did the publication on food and cuisine in Nigeria. At that time, for the first time, I shared it online to someone and it went viral. Now, the last publication was Nigeria at a glance in 2023. I just thought to myself, if anybody was coming to Nigeria and they needed a publication they can lay their hands on, that will show everything you need to know about Nigeria. So I put it, our currency, the history of newspapers in Nigeria, history of photography, hotels, common phrases, our currency, everything you need to know, I put in that book. And, of course, it went around and a lot of people saw it and were impressed by it. Now, this quality, and then I did trade and investment summits. In fact, the last one I did in the Netherlands was huge. It happened April 20, 2023. In fact, I don’t know if it was responsible, but really, it was shortly after that, that I now discovered that Netherlands became the number one trading partner of Nigeria. Did a lot of things that people recognize, because while I was even in Budapest, I got an award from one African forum based in England, because people see the work that you do. Even the Nigerians in diaspora, they see it.
So when those things happen like that, yes, they may see it quicker there, because it’s a smaller environment than here in Nigeria. Till today, I don’t think we’ve ever met and you didn’t know anything about me. So that’s the reason that it doesn’t seem to show within Nigeria, because we’re so large and there’s so many talented people.
So you can’t compare it to maybe other countries that are just small. Hungary was less than 10 million in population. Netherlands was less than 18 million.
So for you to be seen in certain environments, it’s easier than in Nigeria. But the thing is this, quality will always show everywhere. A goldfish has no hiding place.
I started as an optometrist, who was just looking out for the well-being of my colleagues, always looking out for them, always looking to advance their course. So I got promoted. Every time I served, I moved.
I never had to struggle for anything. So service distinguished me. Even my country took notice, because for them to have made me an ambassador.

The World See Competence in Nigerian Women – Ajayi, Nigeria’s candidate for UN top job

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Lawal: Over 45m Nigerians Still Defecate Openly

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6 days ago

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November 19, 2025

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Lawal: Over 45m Nigerians Still Defecate Openly

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has decried that just about 25 per cent of Nigerians have access to safely managed sanitation facilities leaving over 45 million Nigerians still practice open defecation.

Lawal gave that figures in Abuja on Wednesday at a press briefing to commemorate the 2025 World Toilet Day, themed “Sanitation in a Changing World,” with the tagline “We’ll Always Need the Toilet.”

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Mahmud Kambari, said that this year’s theme reflects the growing impacts of climate change, rapid urbanisation, and widening inequalities that weaken sanitation systems.

November 19 was set aside by the United Nations General Assembly, in recognition of the global sanitation challenge to raise awareness and inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis, which still affects billions of people worldwide.

The minister said, “The advent and access to toilets remain a foundation to public health and play an important role in protecting both people and the environment. They hygienically remove human waste, reduce exposure to diseases, and uphold dignity. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, toilets and the systems that support them remain underfunded, poorly managed, or neglected.

“Currently, about 4.2 billion people globally live without access to safe toilets, while in Nigeria, over 45 million people still practice open defecation, and only about 25 per cent of the population have access to safely managed sanitation facilities.

“Many schools, healthcare facilities, and public institutions either lack functional toilets or have facilities that are poorly managed. In urban areas, the absence of adequate sewerage systems has led to unsafe disposal of wastewater and sewage into rivers and streams, thereby contaminating our environment with resultant impact.”

He regretted that the situation contributes significantly to diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid, and intestinal worm infections, which continue to claim lives, especially among children under five years of age.

He decried that poor sanitation also drives antimicrobial resistance and undermines Nigeria’s progress towards SDG 6.2, ensuring access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.

He, however, noted that the Federal Government is committed to tackling sanitation challenges and achieving an Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2030.

“This commitment is demonstrated through the Presidential Declaration of a State of Emergency on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, and the signing of Executive Order No. 009 (2019) titled “The Open Defecation Free Nigeria by 2025 which is under review and Other Related Matters.”

The Minister added that the ministry and other stakeholders have reviewed and updated the 2005 National Environmental Sanitation Policy, including guidelines for safe excreta and sewage disposal.

In her welcome remarks, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, noted that billions still lack access to safe toilets and millions continue to practice open defecation.

She warned that this poses serious health and environmental risks, especially to women, children, and other vulnerable groups, as poor sanitation fuels the spread of diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid, which remain major causes of illness and death among children under five.

She said: “Today’s commemoration provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the progress made so far in improving sanitation services across Nigeria, while also renewing our collective commitment to ending open defecation by the year 2030.

The Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abubakar Kende, highlighted sanitation as a vital human right and stressed the urgent need to address challenges such as climate stress, poor funding, overcrowded urban areas, and cultural barriers.

He said the Red Cross, in collaboration with government ministries and partners, is advancing solutions through the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control to improve sanitation and hygiene nationwide.

He said: The theme emphasises the constant necessity of sanitation as a human right despite global challenges. It highlights the need for urgent action to protect and expand access to safely managed sanitation in a changing world, which is being impacted by issues like ageing infrastructure, rising demand, climate change, and growing inequality.”

Lawal: Over 45m Nigerians Still Defecate Openly

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President Tinubu: Nigeria Resolute About Building Efficient Borders Across Africa

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1 week ago

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November 18, 2025

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President Tinubu: Nigeria Resolute About Building Efficient Borders Across Africa

  • Says fragmented markets posing threats to border efficency

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to work towards building an Africa where borders are efficient enough to facilitate trade and other economic opportunities instead of hindering them.

He implored African nations to be disciplined in working towards building borders that meet the high demands and rapid pace of contemporary technological advancement.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja when he declared open the Customs Pact – Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade, the President expressed delight to be a part of the event, which brought together partners and leaders from across the continent, saying it demonstrates the collective resolve to discard the old habit of accepting slow borders as destiny.

President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said while nations exist to complement one another, size, resources, and talent are inconsequential if they are trapped behind inefficient borders and fragmented markets.

“Nigeria remains firmly committed, structurally and operationally, to building an Africa that trades by design, where integration is practical, measurable and effective. Our ambition is simple: a continent where borders facilitate opportunities rather than inhibit them,” he declared.

Maintaining that “fragmented markets cannot achieve industrial scale, negotiate effectively with global powers, or withstand external shocks, the Nigerian leader noted, however, that integration “enables large-scale industrialisation, collective bargaining strength and resilient supply chains.”

Nigeria, according to him, is approaching this responsibility with practical systems and infrastructure rather than rhetoric, even as he said the strength of a continental market can only be engineered and not declared.

President Tinubu stated that while Africa had already taken the hardest step by agreeing on integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), what is crucial at the moment is execution.

“Success will be judged not by communiqués but by real outcomes: shorter border-crossing times, reliable local-currency settlements and efficient movement of goods across borders and ports. Our vision must translate from conference halls to the daily experiences of traders, manufacturers, logistics operators and farmers,” he maintained.

The President recalled that the urge to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians informed his administration’s decision to reform “structural barriers to trade and investment, removing bottlenecks that limit competitiveness, and rebuilding institutions for efficient regional integration.”

In achieving this, he said the administration quickly embarked on unifying the foreign exchange window, removing fuel subsidies to redirect resources to critical infrastructure, and modernizing port operations with 24-hour clearance.

He continued: “We adopted the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System to boost intra-African trade, and we prioritised non-oil export growth across key sectors. These reforms reinforce one another, creating a coherent foundation for stronger continental commerce and competitiveness. Each decision was a step towards a Nigeria that trades with confidence and an Africa that negotiates from a position of strength.

“We believe that our institutions have been deliberately aligned into a unified trade-enablement architecture, dismantling the traditional silos that once separated agencies. The Nigeria Customs Service now advances digital clearance systems and risk-based inspections.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority drives port efficiency. The Central Bank enables local-currency settlements through PAPSS. The Standards Organisation harmonises product standards with continental frameworks. NEPC and NEXIM Bank strengthen export readiness and provide targeted financing.

“This coordinated, integrated institutional approach is essential for successful continental integration, for no single agency can deliver the scale of reform required for Africa’s prosperity.”

On the level of impact of the collective reforms on the nation’s economy, the Nigerian leader said it “is measurable, demonstrable, and progressively accelerating.

He added: “Intra-African trade is projected to expand from fifteen percent in 2023 to twenty-five percent by 2030 under AfCFTA frameworks. Nigeria’s non-oil exports to African markets increased thirty-eight percent year-on-year in 2024. Cargo clearance time at major seaports has reduced by approximately thirty percent since 2023.

“Paper-based compliance processes are being systematically replaced through digital trade reforms and automation. These metrics validate a fundamental principle: when structural barriers fall and systems function predictably, African trade expands rapidly and dynamically. Outcomes are never in doubt when processes are disciplined.”

President Tinubu described the National Single Window as central to Nigeria’s continental trade strategy, assuring that phase one of the transformative digital platform will go live in March 2026, “with full rollout by December 2026.

“It will allow businesses to submit import and export information once through a unified portal, automate inter-agency data sharing and real-time processing, apply risk-based compliance to speed up clearance for legitimate traders, and cut cargo clearance time from twenty-one days to under seven.

“This will significantly boost port productivity. Fully aligned with AfCFTA digital frameworks, the National Single Window positions Nigeria as a continental standard-bearer for customs digitalisation and seamless intra-African commerce,” he further stated.

Earlier, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, represented by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, urged relevant authorities in Africa to continue to dismantle barriers that hinder trade and revenue generation.

She stressed that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to supporting modernisation initiatives within customs administrations and aligning with global best practices aimed at creating a business-friendly environment.

The minister further expressed Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that AfCFTA delivers tangible benefits for citizens while improving the ease of doing business at the borders.

For her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said that under President Tinubu’s decisive leadership, the administration has achieved a unified exchange rate, strengthened fiscal discipline, and is on course to accelerate regional economic integration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She maintained that Nigeria’s commitment to AfCFTA implementation remains unwavering, while urging participants to build an Africa that trades more with itself.

Also, the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Ian Saunders, applauded ongoing reforms by the Tinubu administration, assuring that the WCO stands with Nigeria in facilitating legitimate trade.

He also praised heads of Africa’s Customs for their efforts in incorporating modern standards into their operations, adding that leadership, investment, and consolidating gains in customs administration remain valuable.

The Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, Kanayo Awani, backed modernisation as a positive initiative adopted by several customs administrations, including Nigeria.

On his part, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, urged relevant authorities and stakeholders to adopt cross-country trade facilitation and integration, emphasizing, “We cannot continue to work in silos.”

According to Adeniyi, the primary outcome of the engagement in Abuja, which involved all African regions, is to ensure that customs administrations are more actively engaged in AfCFTA implementation, while strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding between customs administrations and the private sector across the continent.

The Secretary-General of AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene, assured that the Secretariat will work closely with the NCS to ensure that the objectives of C-PACT unfold into a pleasant reality.

President Tinubu: Nigeria Resolute About Building Efficient Borders Across Africa

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Quit illicit drug trade now or get ready for more hard time, Marwa warns barons, cartels

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1 week ago

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November 15, 2025

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Quit illicit drug trade now or get ready for more hard time, Marwa warns barons, cartels

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has warned drug barons, traffickers and their cartels to quit the criminal trade or face more hard time during his second tenure.

Marwa, who was reappointed by President Bola Tinubu for a second tenure of five years on Friday told jubilating management staff, officers, men and women of the agency who gathered to welcome him at NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja following the presidential announcement that his second tenure will be hell and bleak for those who fail to quit the illicit drug trade.

He expressed appreciation to the president for the recognition of ongoing efforts against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

He said: “First of all, what a surprise, I did not expect to come back from jumat service to meet these great felicitations, dancing and singing by our personnel. Thank you very much. We would like to thank the almighty God, because always the glory has to go to Him for everything. We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate for us to continue with the war against drug abuse and trafficking. I thank the management, officers, men and women of the agency, who continue to provide service to the nation 24/7, in spite of the risks that you all face.”

He also acknowledged the unflinching support by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun while also expressing thanks to “all our local and international partners, with whom we have continued to collaborate towards ridding Nigeria of illicit substances.”

He added that: “First, this word must go to the cartels. The cartels have not seen anything yet. I promise them this second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria.”

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment towards President Tinubu’s mandate, assuring that “in line with our Act, we will continue to do our level best. I remember in my inaugural speech, the day I took over, and I said very clearly that NDLEA will be feared by the drug cartels. And that’s just the beginning.

“At the same time, I must appeal to those who are engaged in illicit drug trafficking that this is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate. It is in line with that that we established the Alternative Development Unit, which seeks to persuade those who are perpetrating the illicit drug activities, particularly cannabis growers, who are our greatest challenge in Nigeria, to desist from the habit, collaborate with us. We are going to support towards licit cultivation of crops that are legitimate, legal, and you can sleep with your two eyes closed.

“But those who refuse to do that can be sure that the NDLEA is up and able on its task of law enforcement. You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. So, you come out from jail, there will be nothing left.”

He also assured that the agency will remain committed to its drug demand reduction efforts. “I’ll take the opportunity again to announce the rededication of our efforts towards prevention, sensitization, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of our children in our 30 rehabilitation centres. And with the support of the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven more rehab centres are coming up under the 2025 budget that will now make every state to have its own rehab centre.

“And as well, there will be zonal rehab, more rehab centres and we are getting full collaboration from the Honourable Minister of Health. We appreciate his efforts also, and the Honourable Minister of Education, who has accepted our recommendation for drug tests for our children on admission to tertiary institutions, so that with this we can catch them young before it gets into addiction stage. May the Almighty God bless our President, bless all those that are supporting us, bless the officers, men and women of NDLEA.”

Quit illicit drug trade now or get ready for more hard time, Marwa warns barons, cartels

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