The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Tuesday criticised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), stating that it has become a laughing stock due to its inability to stop the continuous inflow of illicit drugs into the country.
Obi attributed this failure to corruption and a weak regulatory framework.
The former governor of Anambra State expressed concern over the growing use of courier and delivery services by drug traffickers to smuggle illegal substances into Nigeria.
In a post on X, Obi pointed out that the trend has persisted despite several warnings from the NDLEA, describing it as a clear indication of “how weak our institutions and relevant monitoring systems are”.
He stressed that drug trafficking poses a severe threat to society and is a major international crime that must not be overlooked, as it destroys families, encourages criminal acts, and undermines the moral foundation of the nation.
“The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has repeatedly raised concern about this trend, yet it continues to grow, apparently aided by corruption and poor regulation that have turned the enforcement body into a joke.
“Drug trafficking remains a big danger to society and a serious international offence that cannot be overlooked,” the former presidential candidate said.
He further explained that Nigeria, which is already struggling with insecurity, high youth unemployment, and widespread hunger, cannot afford to tolerate or normalise a culture of drug abuse.
“Nigeria, therefore, needs stronger oversight and must rise above this dangerous decline and rebuild a system where laws are sacred, leaders are accountable, and no one is above justice. Nigeria will only heal when character, truth, and responsibility return to governance,” Peter Obi said in the statement.
