The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), says the upcoming National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026–2030) will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs.

He spoke on Thursday at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja while receiving the final evaluation report on the implementation of the 2021–2025 master plan.

Marwa said the new framework would build on previous gains and deepen ongoing reforms.

“I must commend your commitment, diligence and the excellent job you have done on the evaluation of the NDCMP 2021–2025,” he said.

“Your acknowledgement of the successes recorded by the agency in the course of implementing the drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction pillars of the master plan is equally well appreciated.”

He added:

“I want it on record that by the time the NDCMP 2026–2030 is fully ready and implemented, we’ll achieve much more under the renewed hope administration of President Bola Tinubu to the benefits of Nigerians and the country as a whole.”

Why It Matters

Drug abuse remains a growing concern in Nigeria, affecting young people, families and communities.

The NDLEA’s master plan serves as Nigeria’s central strategy for reducing both drug supply and drug demand.

The evaluation report reviewed progress under the 2021–2025 framework, identifying achievements and areas requiring improvement — particularly in drug demand reduction.

Marwa said the next phase would adopt a “serious and holistic” approach, promising measurable outcomes in public health and national security.

Expert Assessment

The evaluation was led by Prof Ibrahim Abdu Wakawa, Head of the Mental Health Department at the University of Maiduguri.

Speaking earlier, Prof Wakawa praised Marwa’s leadership and said the agency had surpassed many expectations outlined in the 2021–2025 plan.

He expressed confidence that identified gaps — especially in prevention and rehabilitation — would be addressed in the next cycle.

Two retired Assistant Commanders General of Narcotics, Mrs Ngozi Oguejiofor and Mrs Ibiba Odili, who previously headed the NDCMP secretariat at different times, were also part of the evaluation team.

What’s Next?

The NDCMP 2026–2030 is currently being finalised.

Once approved, it will guide Nigeria’s anti-drug policies for the next five years.

Implementation is expected to involve coordination between health institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society groups and international partners.

For Nigerians, the outcome could affect everything from community safety to access to addiction treatment services.

Polaris Bank is offering free breast cancer screenings to 100 women nationwide as part of its activities for World Cancer Day, which falls on 4 February. The initiative is in partnership with Care Organization and Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), a non-governmental organization focused on community health awareness.

Why it matters

Early detection is widely recognized as one of the most effective tools in fighting cancer. By removing financial barriers, Polaris Bank hopes to empower women to seek timely medical intervention, contributing to better health outcomes and supporting broader economic and social wellbeing.

The bank is also continuing its free prostate cancer screening programme, previously launched for men aged 40 and above, which has provided testing for 250 participants nationwide. The prostate screenings take place at the Men’s Clinic, 18 Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos.

Community and Expert Voices

Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head of Brand Management & Corporate Communications at Polaris Bank, highlighted the importance of preventive care:

“Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against cancer. By bringing screening services closer to communities, we are empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources they need for timely medical intervention.”

Healthcare professionals from C.O.P.E will lead the breast cancer screenings, offering both tests and educational guidance on prevention, self-examination, and follow-up care.

Medical experts note that integrating screening into community programs helps reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses. Dr. Ifeoma Chukwu, a Lagos-based oncologist, said:

“Community-centered initiatives like this are critical. They provide women with access to services they might otherwise delay due to cost or lack of awareness.”

Social Impact and SDG Alignment

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Promotes preventive healthcare and early detection.

SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Prioritizes women’s health and empowerment.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Leverages collaboration with civil society organizations to achieve community impact.

Educational campaigns and digital outreach will accompany the screenings, reinforcing awareness about lifestyle choices, regular medical check-ups, and early detection.

Event Details

The flagship breast cancer screening will be held on Saturday, 21 February 2026, at the C.O.P.E Centre, 39B Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Participation requirements include:

Women must be Polaris Bank account holders.

Pre-registration is required. Selection is based on confirmed early submissions.

Eligible participants can register here: bit.ly/BCS2026.

Polaris Bank encourages men to support the health of their families by urging their female relatives to register. Men aged 40 and above can also take advantage of the ongoing free prostate cancer screening programme.

As Nigeria’s festive season peaks, Pernod Ricard Nigeria and the Federal Road Safety Corps are stepping up efforts to tackle drunk driving on Lagos roads.

Pernod Ricard Nigeria has launched a new road safety campaign with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) aimed at reducing alcohol-related crashes and fatalities, particularly during the busy festive period.

The campaign, tagged “Don’t Drink and Drive”, was unveiled in Lagos and focuses on encouraging responsible drinking and safer behaviour among motorists and other road users.

Why it matters

Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of road accidents in Nigeria, according to the FRSC.

Lagos State is considered especially vulnerable due to its dense traffic, large vehicle population, and active nightlife economy.

Road safety advocates say festive periods often record a spike in crashes as social gatherings increase alcohol consumption and night travel.

Corporate and government voices

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Michael Ehindero, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to responsible drinking.

“At Pernod Ricard Nigeria, we believe in encouraging responsible choices and promoting a culture of safety on our roads,” he said.

The FRSC Lagos State Sector Commander, Kehinde G. Hamzat, represented by Deputy Corps Commander Edith Eloka, stressed that preventing road crashes requires joint action.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we must work together to prevent crashes and save lives,” he said.

What the campaign involves

The “Safe Roads” initiative includes public sensitisation programmes targeting commercial drivers, private motorists and pedestrians.

Organisers say the campaign will also leverage partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations and private sector players to expand its reach.

At key locations including Ikeja City Mall, The Event Centre, and ABC Transport Company, the campaign recorded 1,500 safety pledges from participants.

Industry and stakeholder reactions

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Ministry of Transportation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

Industry observers say involving transport unions and regulators increases the likelihood of behavioural change among commercial drivers, who account for a significant share of road travel nationwide.

Expert and operational perspective

While addressing motorists, Corps Road Safety Commander Godwin Uweni, Head of Operations at the Ikotun Unit Command of the FRSC, urged drivers to obey traffic rules at all times.

He advised motorists to prioritise safety, warning that impaired driving puts lives at risk beyond the driver alone.

Road safety experts note that consistent enforcement, public education and corporate responsibility campaigns can help reduce preventable crashes over time.

Engaging road users

At the ABC Motor Park, drivers took part in a trivia competition focused on road safety, with branded gifts and stickers carrying the “Don’t Drink and Drive” message.

Participants were also encouraged to share their experiences and pledge messages on social media using the campaign hashtag #DontDrinkAndDrive.

Global and sustainability context

Pernod Ricard Nigeria said the campaign aligns with its global Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which promotes good health and well-being.

The company’s global purpose statement commits it to “being a responsible and sustainable company, creating a better tomorrow for all our stakeholders”.

Last year, the firm partnered with the FRSC and other stakeholders on a similar “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign, alongside its responsible drinking activation, “Drink More Water.”

What’s next

Organisers say the campaign will continue beyond the festive season, with plans to expand sensitisation efforts across more transport hubs and public spaces.

Authorities hope sustained messaging will lead to safer roads and fewer alcohol-related accidents nationwide.