NDLEA calls on private sector to join 2025 fight against drug abuse, urging public collaboration for prevention, treatment and recovery in Imo State
NDLEA private sector support was the central appeal during the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, as the agency called for greater collaboration in the fight against substance misuse.
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At the ceremony held on Thursday in Owerri, the Imo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr Ibrahim Ohida, said that Nigeria’s drug challenge could only be tackled effectively with inclusive action from both the public and private sectors.
Ohida, a Commander of Narcotics, emphasised that the theme for this year, “Breaking The Chains: Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All,” underscores the need for everyone to get involved.
He explained that logistics and information-sharing from businesses and civil society can drastically weaken the hold of drug peddling in local communities.
“All hands should be on deck in line with this year’s theme,” he said. “Imo has distinguished itself in the drug war and we believe that with greater support and with our men on ground across all 27 council areas of the state, we will do more.”
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State commended the NDLEA for its relentless fight against drug abuse. Represented by his Special Adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drug Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu Obonna, the governor said he remained confident in the agency’s resolve to curb the menace.
“Drug abuse is at the centre of crime and criminality but, with the kind of fight we are putting up, we will conquer,” he said.
Adding to the momentum, Mr Cyprian Okonkwo, the South-East President of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers, praised the NDLEA’s success and pledged unwavering support from the association.
“We’re fighting drug abuse and we’re getting it right, with available statistics to show for it, thanks to the unflinching efforts of the NDLEA,” he said.
The event, attended by representatives of all security agencies in the state, featured cultural dance presentations and the presentation of awards to individuals recognised as ambassadors of the War Against Drug Abuse.
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As the NDLEA expands its engagement strategies, its leaders continue to call on the organised private sector and civil society to take ownership of the campaign, insisting that prevention and recovery must be a shared national responsibility.
