Africa needs to act fast on projected 40% rise in drug use prevalence Africa- Marwa warns

June 30, 2025

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has highlighted the urgency of addressing the continent’s growing drug challenge.

According to Marwa, while global projections estimate a 10–11% rise in drug use prevalence, Africa is expected to experience a surge of up to 40%.

In a statement on Monday by the spokesperson of the Agency, Femi Babafemi, he stated this on Monday during an assessment visit to the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja by the AU Commission.

The visiting three-member delegation included the team lead Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention; Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer; and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant.

The visit was to evaluate the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019-2025).

“This disparity signals a looming crisis that demands coordinated and accelerated action. We deeply appreciate the AU’s leadership in this space and commend your proactive efforts,” he added.

He emphasised the importance of the mission, stating that he considered it imperative to receive the team personally due to the strategic relevance of their engagement.

“We are particularly pleased that the African Union is giving due weight to the implementation of the continental action plan, not merely as a theoretical exercise, but by undertaking direct field consultations with national counterparts.

This grounded, evidence-informed approach will undoubtedly result in a more pragmatic and responsive framework for implementation,” he noted.