The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has called for deeper collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in key areas of national security, public health, canine management, and drug control.
This is part of efforts to strengthen the country’s fight against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The call was made when the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Professor Mathew Adamu, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
ALSO READ: Niger State Moves Against Youth Crime, Drug Abuse
Professor Adamu congratulated General Marwa on his reappointment by President Bolal Tinubu, describing it as a reflection of his exceptional leadership and achievements in combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
He highlighted the existing partnership between both institutions and commended the NDLEA for providing opportunities for veterinary professionals during its recruitment exercises.
He also appealed for increased recruitment slots for veterinary doctors in future exercises, stressing the critical role veterinary professionals play in drug detection operations, canine management, public health, and national security.
Anti Drug Clubs
Professor Adamu further advocated the revival of anti-drug clubs in tertiary institutions across the country, noting that such platforms would play a vital role in preventing substance abuse among young people and promoting responsible lifestyles.
Drawing from his experience as the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, he disclosed that the institution introduced mandatory drug screening for newly admitted students as part of efforts to discourage drug abuse and foster a healthy academic environment.
The VCN President also applauded the NDLEA’s successful deployment of trained detector dogs at international airports and other strategic locations, describing the initiative as a significant boost to drug interdiction efforts nationwide.
He noted that the Veterinary Council of Nigeria remains one of Nigeria’s oldest professional regulatory bodies, established to regulate veterinary practice, uphold professional standards, and safeguard animal and public health.
Responding, General Marwa described the Veterinary Council of Nigeria as a critical professional institution whose contributions to public health, national security, and economic development often go unnoticed despite their significance.
He stressed the need for robust data collection across the veterinary sector, noting that reliable data remain essential for effective planning, policymaking, and national development.
The NDLEA Chairman assured the VCN of the Agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in areas of mutual interest, particularly capacity building, canine management, public health, and drug control initiatives.
General Marwa also disclosed plans to expand the deployment of trained detector dogs currently operating at major international airports to additional airports in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Enugu, and Kano.
“Dogs remain the last line of action when human capacity has been exhausted. Their unique abilities continue to make them invaluable assets in our fight against drug trafficking and other criminal activities,” he said.
On the issue of anti-drug clubs, Marwa revealed that efforts to revive drug prevention clubs in schools and tertiary institutions were already underway, noting that the initiative would help educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse while promoting positive values among students.
He thanked the VCN leadership for the visit and reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to work closely with the Council in advancing shared objectives for national development.
