The Niger state government have commended the courageous and consistent efforts of the State Commands of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA in both supply and demand reduction strategies towards fighting drug abuse in the state.
The Deputy Governor of the State Comrade Yakubu Garba made the commendation on behalf of the governor of the state Farmer Umar Muhammed Bago, during the occasion of the year 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organized by the Niger State Command of the NDLEA.
The event was held at the Islamic Education Trust (IET), hall in Minna on Thursday.
The Deputy Governor says the theme of the year, “The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention,” is timely as drug abuse is not only a public health crisis but a serious threat to our social stability, economic productivity, and collective future, declaring that the urgency of the crisis demands an immediate and concerted action.
He noted that the statistics shared by the agency on its ability to seized—over 4,000 kilograms of drugs and 245 arrests made, as well as secured convictions—are not just numbers. They represent lives potentially rescued and communities possibly spared from deeper decay.
He also called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community influencers to see their selves as the first line of defence. Noting that the signs of addiction often start in our homes and schools hence the need to talk to the children, listen to their fears, and guide them with love and discipline.
The Deputy Governor reiterated the commitment of the current administration's support to NDLEA and all partners, both morally and materially, in an effort to secure the lives and futures of all citizens in the state.
Earlier, the Commander NDLEA, Niger State Command, Shehu Nomau Gwadabawa, stated that the day serves as a global awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking while also galvanizing support for effective strategies to combat the menace.
He disclosed that the agency at the state level have intensified it's efforts in advocacy, school campaigns, and strategic partnerships with community leaders, civil society organisations and government agencies.
The Commander called on all stakeholders in the state including traditional institutions, religious bodies, schools, Non-governmental organisations, the media as well as all well meaning citizens to rise to the occasion collectively in winning the war against drugs abuse.
He maintained that under the year 2025, from January till date , the agency has recorded the seizure of over 4 tons of illicit substances and arrest of over 200 drug dealers some of whom were successfully convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by the federal high court in Minna.
While delivering his lecture, the keynote speaker, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bello Tukur, represented by the Director Pharmaceuticals Services, Pharm. Abdullahi Yahaya emphasized on the need for collective role of the society to tackle the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in view of the danger it possessed.
In her goodwill remark, Wife of the Niger State governor and Chairperson State Drug Control Committee (SDCC) Hajiya Fatima Umar Bago, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Women Affirmative Action, Mrs Mary Noel Barje, observed that there's need to shift more attention and resources towards prevention, education and early intervention of drugs abuse for the safety of future generations.
The royal father the day Emir of Agaie, HRH Alh. Yusuf Nuhu, stated that the role of traditional leaders in the fight against drugs abused can never be over emphasized , noting that all hands must be on deck to avert the menace, especially amongst youths who are future leaders.
Highlights of the event was characterized by drama presentations, poet recitation, award presentation and drug exhibition..
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