ECOWAS Backs Nigeria in Developing New National Drug Control Master Plan

By Joylinda Laryea/ 12 October 2025

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a major collaborative effort to support Nigeria in formulating a new National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP), aimed at strengthening the country’s response to drug-related challenges.

A four-day stakeholders’ workshop officially commenced in Abuja on Monday, 6 October 2025, bringing together 30 representatives from key institutions including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Federal Ministry of Health and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The session, which runs until 9 October, will provide technical guidance for the development of a comprehensive, evidence-based and inclusive national framework aligned with regional priorities and international standards.

Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, the Principal Programme Officer and Head of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Division, Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, described the initiative as a strategic milestone in combating drug abuse and trafficking across the region.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to leading the process, ensuring effective coordination and providing technical expertise for the plan’s successful development and implementation.

ECOWAS officials noted that the new Master Plan is expected to serve as a blueprint for prevention, treatment, law enforcement and regional collaboration in tackling drug-related threats in Nigeria and beyond.