HONLAF: To Secure Nigeria, We Must Work Towards a Drug-free World – Tinubu

HONLAF: To Secure Nigeria, We Must Work Towards a Drug-free World – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his administration’s commitment to the country’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as part of efforts to curtail the global drug problem and guarantee the security and stability of Nigeria.

The President assured that he will continue to provide necessary support and tools for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to fulfill its mandate.

President Tinubu gave the assurances in Abuja on Tuesday while declaring open the 31st meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLAF).

Represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said: “This administration will continue to provide the necessary support, motivation and tools for the NDLEA to fulfill its mandate. We understand the connection between the success of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking and
the attainment of a number of goals on our socio-economic and security agenda.”

He continued: “For us, the commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative. We recognise that a population at war with drugs is not a dividend but a liability. We believe that the future of our youth, the strength of our institutions and the well-being of our communities depend on our ability to eradicate this threat. So, I must appeal to you to see this gathering as an avenue for the exchange of novel ideas and the development of practical strategies. We must consolidate established contacts, operational partnerships, and cooperation to ensure that the outcomes of this four-day deliberation advance public safety and the emergence of drug-free African communities.

“Our strength has always been our proactive actions to prevent any individual or group from turning our countries into a minefield of drug trafficking. So, we must prioritise prevention, education, and rehabilitation to empower our youth with knowledge and opportunities. We must steer them away from the treacherous path of drug abuse and trafficking and protect our economy from the consequences of their actions.”

While emphasising the threat posed to countries by drug scourge, the President urged participants attending the conference to seize the opportunity of the gathering to come up with novel strategies to dismantle drug cartels across the African continent.

“We are at the mercy of a threat that knows neither race nor geography, neither gender nor social class. This threat has crossed borders and destroyed societies and dreams. Without the moral commitment of the men and women in this room, this threat would have left cities, countries, and even civilisations erased. So, I must commend you for your sacrifices in the bids to keep our world drug-free, sane and safe.

He said the choice of Nigeria for the conference is a profound recognition of the campaign and fight against illicit drugs led by the NDLEA.

“We are hosting the 31st HONLAF meeting here to reassure you of our promise to participate in building a world not threatened by the infiltration of illicit drugs. Over the decades, criminal organisations have attempted to breach our security measures in their business of polluting nations and minds. But while it’s a compliment that drug-law enforcement organisations are a threat to their criminal empires, their desperation must never be taken for granted.

“Without you as gatekeepers of healthy nations, humanity as we know it would have long been perverted. So, on behalf of the world, I say: thank you, thank you to all of you who have kept us from being polluted and destroyed,” he added.

By PRNigeria