By Erewunmi Peace

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), has warned that drug use in Africa is projected to increase by 40%, with Nigeria already ranking among the worst affected countries.

Marwa issued the warning during a seminar in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, themed “Dangers of Drug Abuse, Cultism, and Banditry among Youths.”

Citing United Nations projections, the NDLEA boss expressed concern that Africa’s drug problem could worsen if urgent actions are not taken. He called for collective responsibility to reverse the trend, stressing that the fight against drug abuse cannot be left to the NDLEA alone.

“As a nation and communities, we still possess the power to reverse this trend. The first step is collective responsibility. Parents, religious institutions, traditional rulers, educational authorities and community leaders must rise with one voice against these vices,” Marwa stated.

He highlighted the link between drug abuse, cultism, and insecurity, warning that failure to act now could lead to greater social and security challenges.

The NDLEA chairman urged parents and community leaders to intensify efforts in sensitization and monitoring of youths, while assuring that the agency remains committed to intercepting drug traffickers and reducing availability of illicit substances.