Insecurity: UNODC to partner with Nigeria, on drugs, crime control 

…To unveil strategic partnership program, this week 

The United Nations office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, on Tuesday, said it is ready to strengthen its operation in Nigeria to help in tackling drug abuse, strengthen cyber security and tackle terrorism.

The organisation said it has concluded plans to launch the 2026-2030 Nigeria country programme, a five year response agenda that will help address the realities in the area of insecurity, drug abuse and cybercrime, especially amongst the youths in the country.

Nigeria is currently facing new and emerging problems in critical sectors, including growing cybercrime, rising cases of drug trafficking, abuse and drugs related criminal activities.

Cheikh Toure, the UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, while unveiling the program, said ” It is a five year framework designed to strengthen institutional capacity to deal with issues across four inter connected pillars”.

These include plans to strengthen the war against drug abuse and trafficking, principles of Justice and rule of law; Security and Counter- terrorism; Anti corruption and governance, as well as the Protection of vulnerable groups.

He explained that the partnership which is grounded in Nigeria’s national priorities, also align with the United Nations Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals, anchored in a rights-based, genda- sensitive and inclusive approach”.

The UNODC is also expected to use the program in strengthening crime prevention, combating corruption and illicit financial flows to protect critical institutions, the country and its citizens.

Other expected outcome includes enhancing security, addressing conditions that enable violent extremism.

It will also help in preventing organised crimes, safeguard the people, livelihood and the environment.

Others include strengthening evidence based responses to drug production, trafficking, non- medical use, while dealing with related public health challenges such as grid  addictions.

He explained that under the program, the UN body will evolve strong prevention mechanism to reduce the country’s over dependence on the use of kinetic methods in solve some of the challenges in the security system.

” It is important to help strengthen affected Nigerian  communities , listen to the voice of those affected, with the view to giving the justice.

He also promised to help in harnessing the potentials of cannabis Nigeria, based on the country’s sovereign programme, while UNODC will support evidence based approach.

” In this area, you  need to do a proper research  and Nigeria need to do this by itself”.

He revealed that the UNODC program which will be unveiled on Friday, will also help in address issues around threats affecting children, gaps within the justice system and law enforcements, as well as environmental crimes.

” What makes the program distinct is its integrated approach. They combine legal, social, economic, and security responses to reflect the reality that these challenges aredes interconnected.

” They are co designed with national and local stakeholders, ensuring relevance, ownership and sustainability”.