By Kayode Olopade
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has declared that the forthcoming National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2026–2030 will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s drug control architecture and consolidate gains recorded over the past five years.
Marwa made the assertion on Thursday, February 2026 at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja while receiving the final summative evaluation report on the implementation of the NDCMP 2021–2025.
He expressed optimism that the next phase of the master plan, currently under preparation, would deliver measurable improvements in both public health outcomes and national security, noting that lessons drawn from the outgoing framework would shape a more robust and responsive strategy.
“With the serious and holistic efforts being put into the preparations for the next master plan, its implementation, when finally produced, will have significant positive impact on the nation’s public health and national security,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA helmsman commended the team of independent consultants led by Prof. Ibrahim Abdu Wakawa, Head of the Mental Health Department at the University of Maiduguri, for what he described as a thorough and professional evaluation of the 2021–2025 master plan.
“I must commend your commitment, diligence and the excellent job you have done on the evaluation of the NDCMP 2021–2025. Your acknowledgement of the successes recorded by the agency in the course of implementing the drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction pillars of the master plan is equally well appreciated,” Marwa stated.
He further assured that the 2026–2030 plan would surpass existing benchmarks, aligning with the broader reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“I want it on record that by the time the NDCMP 2026–2030 is fully ready and implemented, we’ll achieve much more under the renewed hope administration of President Bola Tinubu to the benefit of Nigerians and the country as a whole,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Prof. Wakawa lauded Marwa’s leadership, noting that under his stewardship, the NDLEA exceeded several expectations outlined in the 2021–2025 framework. He highlighted substantial progress across the drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction pillars, while identifying areas requiring renewed focus in the next cycle.
The evaluation team expressed confidence that gaps identified—particularly in drug demand reduction, treatment access, and rehabilitation services—would be addressed in the forthcoming master plan.
Prof. Wakawa was joined by Mrs. Ngozi Oguejiofor and Mrs. Ibiba Odili, both retired Assistant Commanders General of Narcotics (ACGN), who previously headed the NDCMP Secretariat at different times within the agency.
The National Drug Control Master Plan serves as Nigeria’s central strategic blueprint for tackling drug trafficking, substance abuse, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and inter-agency coordination. Stakeholders say the transition to the 2026–2030 framework marks a critical moment in sustaining momentum in the country’s fight against illicit drugs amid evolving trafficking patterns and rising domestic consumption concerns.
With the evaluation report now formally received, attention shifts to finalising the new master plan—an effort NDLEA leadership says will build on institutional reforms, expanded enforcement capacity, and strengthened community-based prevention strategies nationwide.
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