The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Marwa, has raised concerns over the increasing glorification of illicit drug use in Nigeria’s entertainment and social space, warning that the trend could trigger serious social and security crises if not urgently addressed.
Marwa spoke on Thursday during the inauguration of the NDLEA-owned radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM, in Abuja.
He described the station as a major tool in advancing the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse campaign aimed at curbing substance abuse across the country.
According to him, Nigerians from all walks of life, particularly entertainers, social influencers, teachers, parents and community leaders, must work together to confront what he termed a dangerous culture that presents drug abuse as attractive and acceptable among young people.
The NDLEA boss stressed that the fight against substance abuse cannot depend entirely on arrests and prosecution, insisting that public enlightenment, prevention and value reorientation must become central to the campaign.
“We recognize that behind every statistic of drug abuse is a human being.
“A vulnerable teenager seeking escape; a broken family searching for answers; a brilliant mind derailed but capable of redirection, ” he stated.
He explained that the newly established radio station would serve as a platform to counter harmful social narratives by promoting responsible living, recovery testimonies and factual information about the dangers associated with drug abuse.
“We will counter the toxic pop culture that glamourizes drug abuse by replacing it with a vibrant, alternative culture, one that celebrates sobriety, showcases real stories of recovery, and provides accurate, life-saving information,” he said.
Marwa warned that allowing drug abuse to become culturally normalized could create devastating consequences for national security, public health and economic growth.
“If we do not control the narrative today, the consequences tomorrow will be catastrophic.
“Substance abuse is a hydra-headed monster that feeds insecurity, decimates public health, cripples economic productivity, and compromises the very future of our workforce, ” he said.
Describing the launch of the radio station as a significant shift in the agency’s anti-drug strategy, he noted that radio remains one of the most effective channels for reaching Nigerians in homes, markets and local communities.
“While enforcement wins battles, education and prevention win wars,” Marwa added. “True victory against the scourge of substance abuse cannot be achieved solely by the cold steel of handcuffs or the iron bars of a prison cell.”
He disclosed that the establishment of the station received support from Bola Tinubu, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission and several international development partners.
Marwa also called on Nigerian youths to actively participate in the initiative by listening to the station’s programmes and becoming advocates against drug abuse within their communities.
“To all Nigerians, and most especially to our vibrant youth: this station is yours.
“Let us rewrite the story of our generation; let us guard the health of our nation; and let us protect the rhythm of our future, ” he said.
The launch of the station attracted praise from both local and international stakeholders, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which described the initiative as an innovative and people-focused approach to addressing drug abuse.
Representing the UNODC Country Representative, Akanidomo Ibanga said the station would help take anti-drug campaigns directly into homes, schools and communities while also supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan.
The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, described the station as more than a regular broadcast outlet, saying it symbolised “the strategic deployment of broadcasting as an instrument of national orientation, behavioural change, youth engagement and social transformation.”
He maintained that protecting young Nigerians from substance abuse should be treated as a national development priority.
In the same vein, the National Orientation Agency, represented by Bala Musa on behalf of Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu, commended the initiative, describing it as an important platform for citizen enlightenment and positive behavioural change.
The inauguration of Clean Beat 91.5FM comes amid growing concerns over rising drug abuse among Nigerian youths and increasing calls for stronger preventive education to complement law enforcement measures nationwide.
