ECOWAS Backs Nigeria To Strengthen Fight Against Drug Abuse With New National Framework
Recognising the growing complexity of drug abuse and trafficking across West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has begun supporting Nigeria in developing a new National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) to strengthen the country’s response to drug-related challenges.
The four-day stakeholders’ workshop, which runs from 6th to 9th October 2025 in Abuja, brings together 30 key national actors, including representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Ministry of Health, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, the Principal Programme Officer and Head of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Division, Dr Daniel Amankwaah, described the initiative as a strategic step towards building a coordinated, evidence-based national framework in line with regional and international standards.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to leading the process, ensuring technical guidance, and coordinating implementation efforts to deliver an inclusive and effective master plan.
The NDCMP, once completed, is expected to serve as Nigeria’s comprehensive roadmap for drug prevention, treatment, enforcement, and rehabilitation, while aligning national action with ECOWAS regional priorities and global conventions.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n]