The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), have called for intensified collaboration between traditional institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to combat drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. The renewed commitment was announced during a courtesy visit by the NDLEA chairman to the Benin Palace, where both leaders emphasized that the crisis requires a collective national response rather than relying solely on law enforcement.
Brigadier General Marwa highlighted the scale of the challenge, disclosing that more than 15 million Nigerians are currently involved in drug consumption. He described this prevalence as a major national challenge that threatens public health, family stability, and national security. To address the issue, the NDLEA has intensified its operations, reporting over 1,200 arrests and the seizure of more than 30 tonnes of illicit substances in the previous year.
Arrests, seizures and prosecution of offenders alone could not sufficiently address the problem, particularly where poverty, unemployment and other socioeconomic challenges continued to expose communities to illicit drug cultivation and trafficking.
Recognizing that enforcement alone is insufficient, Marwa explained that the agency has adopted complementary strategies to address the underlying economic conditions that drive illegal drug production. This includes an alternative development initiative supported by federal and state governments, which encourages communities involved in illicit cultivation to transition to legitimate agricultural activities such as cassava, yam, and maize farming. The program also aims to improve local infrastructure, including roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and water supply, to create sustainable economic opportunities.
Oba Ewuare II pledged the continued support of the Benin traditional institution for the anti-drug campaign, stressing the importance of protecting young people from the devastating consequences of substance abuse. The monarch noted that traditional rulers, due to their close influence over their subjects, play a vital role in sensitizing the public and providing moral guidance. He emphasized that the fight against drug abuse must remain a shared commitment of society, involving religious leaders, civil society groups, and community leaders.
Beyond the drug crisis, the Oba also addressed the preservation of Benin’s cultural heritage, recalling the long-standing efforts of his predecessors to secure the return of artefacts taken from the ancient kingdom. He welcomed the anticipated return of approximately 40 Benin artefacts from a Swedish museum, describing it as a significant achievement in the campaign for restitution. The monarch maintained that recovering these treasures is essential for preserving the history, identity, and cultural inheritance of the Benin people for future generations.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
