Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called for joint action against illicit drug abuse and trafficking, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, communities and other stakeholders to protect young people and secure the future of society.
Sanwo-Olu made the call while speaking at the public destruction of more than 250 tonnes of illicit drugs seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The event was held at the Nigerian Navy Marine Centre, Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Esq., described the exercise as a strong demonstration of what can be achieved when government institutions, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary work together to combat illicit drug abuse and trafficking.
He said the quantity of drugs destroyed was a sobering reminder of the serious threat illicit substances pose to communities, families, young people and the future of the country.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to tackling drug abuse and trafficking, assuring residents that his administration would continue to collaborate with the NDLEA and other Federal security and law-enforcement agencies to disrupt drug supply chains, dismantle criminal networks and prevent illicit substances from reaching the streets.
He noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and one of Africa’s largest urban centres, has a special responsibility to lead the fight against drug abuse through stronger prevention, public enlightenment, treatment, rehabilitation and support for people affected by substance abuse.
According to the Governor, these efforts remain consistent with Lagos State’s campaign slogan, “Drug Abuse, No, Not in Our Lagos.”
Sanwo-Olu also called on parents, schools, religious institutions, traditional and community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to take greater responsibility for preventing drug abuse.
He stressed that the fight against drugs could not be left to law enforcement agencies alone, noting that it requires a whole-of-society approach that combines firm enforcement with rehabilitation, prevention and public education.
The Governor urged families and communities to pay closer attention to the wellbeing of young people and protect them not only from drugs but also from despair, vulnerability, peer pressure and criminality that could expose them to substance abuse.
He said society must provide young people with knowledge, hope, opportunities and the confidence to choose a better path.
Sanwo-Olu commended the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), the Nigerian Navy, security agencies, the judiciary and other collaborating institutions for their efforts in intercepting the illicit substances before they reached communities and markets.
Earlier, Marwa disclosed that the illicit drugs destroyed were seized between April 2025 and May 2026, with an estimated street value of ₦301 billion.
The NDLEA chairman also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support and leadership in Lagos State, while appreciating NDLEA personnel and other collaborating agencies for their commitment and sacrifices in the fight against illicit drugs.
Marwa warned drug barons, traffickers, financiers, distributors and users to desist from the illicit drug trade and abuse, stressing that the NDLEA would continue to enforce the law against all individuals involved in the illicit drug chain.
The high point of the event was the testing of the seized drug exhibits, followed by their public destruction.