To mark the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the MTN Foundation, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), hosted a national conference in Abuja as part of its Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP).
The conference, held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the State House in Abuja, convened key players from government, civil society, the private sector, and the diplomatic community to spotlight efforts in combating substance abuse in Nigeria.
Delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, emphasized the urgency of addressing drug-related challenges. “World Drug Day is a reminder that urgent, evidence-based actions are needed to tackle illicit drug use and trafficking. These issues continue to harm lives, break families, and weaken our communities,” he said. He also called for collective responsibility, stressing that recovery pathways must be accessible to everyone.
Speaking on behalf of MTN Foundation Chairperson Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, a Non-Executive Director of the Foundation, echoed the need for unified action. “Everyone has a role to play. We are raising awareness in communities, working with NYSC, and reaching over 86,000 students and 1,400 teachers in 144 public schools through education and engagement,” she said. She also noted the Foundation’s advocacy walks in tertiary institutions across Abuja, Enugu, Kano, and Lagos, and its partnership with the NDLEA on a 24/7 toll-free support helpline for young people.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), underlined the importance of prevention in the fight against drug abuse, which he linked to broader security concerns such as terrorism and banditry. Citing the 2024 World Drug Report, he revealed that global drug use has surged to 209 million people a 20% increase over the past decade. He added that drug abuse claimed nearly half a million lives in 2019 alone, calling for urgent, intensified efforts.
The event also featured a powerful drama performance by the University of Abuja Theatre Group, a documentary on the consequences of drug abuse, and an awards ceremony for winners of an inter-secondary school essay contest. A personal testimony from Saadatu Usman Mohammed and a guest lecture by Dr. Abubakar Salami added depth to the discussions.
Launched in 2019, the Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) continues to drive behavioural change through advocacy and education, with a strong focus on Nigeria’s youth. The 2025 conference reinforced MTN Foundation’s commitment to reducing drug abuse and supporting national prevention strategies.
