NDLEA warns youths against drug abuse, declares menace threatening Nigeria’s future

*Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, says an abuse of prohibited substances robs young Nigerians of their health, potential and future, while the devastating consequences are broken homes, wasted talents, increased crime rate, violence and shattered communities

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

For a drug-free, healthy and responsible future generation, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tuesday, September 23, 2025, again warned that rising cases of drug abuse among young Nigerians remains one of the greatest threats to the country’s future.

ConsumerConnect reports Brig.-Gen. Marwa (Rtd.) restated this caution while delivering a keynote address at the Football Anti-Drug Abuse Programme tagged: “Kick Out Drug Abuse” (KODA), organised by RichyGold International Limited in partnership with NDLEA, in Abuja, FCT.

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The Chairman of NDLEA lauded the organisers of the event for creatively using the power of football, the world’s most loved sport, to engage youths in positive and life-transforming activities.

He said prohibited substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine mixtures, cocaine and methamphetamine are being abused in schools, colleges, communities and even sporting circles in recent times.

Marwa also asserted: “These substances rob young people of their health, potential and future. The devastating consequences are broken homes, wasted talents, increased crime rate, violence and shattered communities.”

Prevention remains best defence against substance abuse, says Marwa

Emphasising the fact that prevention remains the best defence against substance abuse, Marwa stressed that the football-based sensitisation programme has yet underscored the value of using sports to steer youths away from destructive habits.

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He explained: “Football teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience and determination. Every pass, every goal and every victory comes from focus and commitment.

“Similarly, in life, our youths are constantly faced with choices, whether to stay on the path of discipline or to fall into the dangerous trap of drug abuse.

“Just as one reckless foul can cost a team a match, one poor choice to experiment with drugs can destroy dreams, ruin careers and even cut short lives.”

The Chairman of NDLEA as well reminded Nigerian youths that professional footballers, whether in local leagues or on the international stage, sustained their excellence by maintaining drug-free lifestyles.

In order to win in football and in life, one must stay drug-free. No footballer who abuses drugs can sustain excellence on the pitch, he stated.

Marwa urged the youths: “Therefore, I charge every young person here. Let football inspire you to channel your energy into creativity, hard work and teamwork.

“Let the slogan ‘Kick Out Drug Abuse’ be more than words. Let it be your lifestyle. Remember, when you say no to drugs, you are saying yes to your dreams, your health and your future.”

Marwa restated the NDLEA’s full commitment to keeping drugs off Nigeria’s streets, out of schools and far away from the nation’s youths.

The anti-narcotics regulatory agency is also strengthening prevention programmes, promoting counselling and rehabilitation for users who need help, said he.

The NDLEA Chief Executive added that the agency has been deepening partnerships with government Ministries, agencies, schools, colleges, sports bodies, religious groups, and community leaders among others in ensuring a drug-free Nigerian society.

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