The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing drug trafficking, crime, corruption, and terrorism as it prepares to launch a new country programme.
Speaking in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, at a media dialogue ahead of the launch of UNODC’s first-ever Country Programme for Nigeria (2026–2030), the UNODC Nigeria Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, stressed the vital role of the media in amplifying efforts, fostering public awareness, and driving collective action in the fight against drug abuse.
“You have amplified critical issues, shaped public understanding, and helped draw both national and international attention to the challenges of drugs, crime and terrorism in Nigeria. Your role in informing, questioning, and holding systems accountable is central to the progress we are all seeking for this great nation,” he said.
According to Toure, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, describing it as a country of immense potential that is also facing complex and interconnected challenges.
He, however, noted that issues such as drug trafficking, organised crime, corruption, and terrorism are deeply linked and require coordinated, forward-looking responses.
“These are not isolated issues; they are deeply connected and demand responses that are just, coordinated, and adaptive,” he noted.
He stressed that, for more than three decades, UNODC has partnered with the Nigerian government and its people to tackle drug and criminal issues, recording significant progress despite evolving threats.
“Together, we have recorded important progress, but the landscape is evolving. Criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated, and technology is shaping both opportunity and risk,” he stressed.
The UNODC chief disclosed that the agency will officially launch its Nigeria Country Programme 2026, a five-year strategic framework aimed at strengthening institutional capacity across key sectors.
Noting that the programme focuses on four main pillars: justice and the rule of law, security and counter-terrorism, anti-corruption and governance, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
“Globally, we are seeing shifts in how development is funded and delivered. This calls for a more strategic, coordinated, and adaptive approach. And that is why UNODC, Nigeria Country Programme 2036, a first of its kind, is both vital and urgent. And it reflects our commitment to going further together.
This country programme is our disciplined, evidence-based response to Nigeria’s current realities. At its core is a simple principle: sustainable security and justice must work for everyone, especially the vulnerable,” he said.
He further stated that the initiative aligns with continental and global development frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Toure emphasised that the programme adopts an integrated approach, combining legal, social, economic, and security responses to reflect the interconnected nature of the challenges.
The UNODC is expected to officially launch the first-ever Country Programme for Nigeria (2026–2030), in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, a five-year strategic framework aimed at strengthening institutional capacity across key sectors.