By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have unveiled a weeklong lineup of activities to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, popularly known as World Drug Day.
Speaking during the unveiling, UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure, represented by the Deputy Country Representative, Mr. Danielo Campisi, said the global drug challenge continues to evolve and requires stronger collaboration among governments, institutions and communities.
Campisi noted that Nigeria is confronted with both longstanding drug-related problems and emerging threats driven by new psychoactive substances and changing trafficking methods.
According to him, addressing the growing complexity of drug abuse and illicit trafficking demands a coordinated, evidence-based and forward-looking response.
“The problem persists, but it is not insurmountable. The challenges are evolving, but so are our solutions, and our response must be united, informed and forward-looking,” he said.
He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through innovative and evidence-based interventions, international cooperation and people-centred approaches designed to protect communities and strengthen the country’s capacity to tackle drug-related crimes and substance abuse.
World Drug Day is observed globally every year on June 26 to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit drug use and mobilise collective action against drug abuse, trafficking and related crimes.
