The Jigawa State government, North-west Nigeria, has taken major steps to curb drug abuse with the signing into law of some Executive Orders.
Governor Umar Namadi said the measure is to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and promote responsible citizenship.
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The two Executive Orders are establishing “the Jigawa State Task Force on Drug Abuse Control and the Mass Mobilisation for Social Reorientation Initiative”.
In a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Gumel, the Governor described the move as “a long-term investment in protecting the State’s young population and rebuilding the moral values needed for sustainable development”.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Namadi said the Executive Orders were part of his administration’s commitment to implementing the promises contained in his 12-Point Agenda, particularly those aimed at tackling drug abuse, strengthening governance and fostering social transformation.
He explained that “the drug control framework would coordinate prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, community mobilisation and enforcement efforts, while the social reorientation initiative would promote values such as patriotism, honesty, discipline, respect for the rule of law and civic responsibility.
“Recent events, including the aftermath of the August 2024 protests, highlighted the dangers of youth vulnerability to misinformation, drug abuse and social instability.
“Sustainable development is not only about infrastructure and economic programmes. It also depends on building a society guided by discipline, responsibility and shared values rooted in our traditions and faith”, he said.
Governor Namadi warned that although Jigawa’s youthful population represents a significant development asset, widespread drug abuse could undermine the State’s future if decisive action is not taken.
“Youth empowerment without values can become misdirected energy, while values without opportunities can breed frustration. Our responsibility is to provide both opportunities and the moral guidance needed to build productive citizens”, he added.
He noted that the new Executive Orders complement existing grassroots development initiatives, including the Ward Level Development Advisory Committees and the Participatory Community Development Project Fund, which are designed to encourage community participation and accountability.
The Governor stressed that defeating drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach involving law enforcement, prevention, counselling, rehabilitation, family support and active community participation.
He also urged parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, local government authorities, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and youth groups to support programmes that expand opportunities in agriculture, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, sports, skills development and the creative economy.
Governor Namadi commended the NDLEA for its partnership with the State government, noting that the Agency’s Jigawa Command had seized nearly 2,000 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over ₦2.8 billion and secured the conviction of 136 offenders.
In his keynote address, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised Governor Namadi’s commitment, describing him as the most supportive governor to any NDLEA command in the country.
“There is no Governor in Nigeria today providing more support to the NDLEA State Command than Governor Umar Namadi”, Marwa stated.
He disclosed that the Governor had provided land for a permanent NDLEA barracks, office facilities, residential accommodation for the State commander and additional logistical support to enhance the agency’s operations.
Marwa further applauded the Governor’s proactive leadership, saying his administration was addressing social problems before they escalated.
The NDLEA boss also revealed that between January 2021 and December 2025, the Agency recorded 77,859 arrests, secured 14,122 convictions, seized 14.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs, and rehabilitated more than 50,000 people nationwide.
He added that Jigawa’s drug prevalence rate of approximately seven percent remains among the lowest in Nigeria and expressed optimism that the newly inaugurated Task Force would further reduce the figure through sustained collaboration, prevention campaigns and community engagement.
The event was attended by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) as well as senior government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations and development partners.
