Jigawa Governor Signs Orders to Fight Drug Abuse and Mobilise Citizens

Governor Umar Namadi signed two executive orders on Tuesday to tackle drug abuse and encourage social change in Jigawa State. He called this initiative a wise investment in the future of the youth and the moral upliftment of communities.

The orders were signed at the Council Chambers of the Government House in Dutse. They set up the Jigawa State Task Force on Drug Abuse Control and the Mass Mobilisation for Social Reorientation initiative.

This important occasion included the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohammed Buba Marwa, who is a retired brigadier-general. Senior government officials, traditional rulers, members of the Council of Ulama, security agencies, civil society groups, and development partners were also present.

Governor Namadi explained that the executive orders are key tools for governance. They aim to fulfil promises made in his administration’s 12-Point Agenda and his inaugural speech. This includes a commitment to work with federal agencies to fight drug abuse, improve local governance, and promote positive change in society.

“The two Executive Orders directly address these commitments: one sets up a structured campaign against drug abuse by bringing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, community mobilisation, and enforcement support under a coordinated framework. The other strengthens societal reorientation by promoting patriotism, honesty, discipline, respect for the law, civic responsibility, and service to the common good,” he said.

The governor pointed out that recent events have shown the need for this initiative. He noted that the aftermath of the August 2024 protests revealed how frustration, misinformation, and idleness can lead young people to harmful influences.

“Sustainable development requires more than just projects and programs; it also requires a positive civic culture, rooted in our traditions and the teachings of Islam, to guide citizens towards discipline, responsibility and the common good,” he added.

Governor Namadi described Jigawa’s young population as one of the state’s greatest assets. He warned that drug and substance abuse is a serious threat that could damage the future of the state if not addressed properly.

“Youth empowerment without values can become misdirected energy; values without opportunity can become frustration. Our duty, therefore, is to provide both opportunities that open legitimate paths to progress and guidance that anchors ambition in discipline, service, productivity and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

The governor mentioned that these executive orders support other reforms already in place by his administration. This includes the Ward Level Development Advisory Committees and the Participatory Community Development Project Fund. Both aim to improve grassroots participation, accountability, and community ownership of development projects.

He noted that fighting drug abuse needs a full approach that combines enforcement, prevention, counselling, rehabilitation, family support and community vigilance. Societal reorientation also requires leaders to set good examples and encourage responsible citizenship and respect for the law.

Governor Namadi called on everyone to work together. He urged parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, ministries, local governments, development partners, community organisations, the private sector, and youth groups to support programs that expand opportunities in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, agriculture, digital innovation, sports, creative industries and civic engagement.

He praised the NDLEA for partnering with the Jigawa State government. He also acknowledged the agency’s State Command for their achievements, including seizing nearly 2,000 kilogrammes of illicit drugs worth over ₦2.8 billion and convicting 136 offenders.

In his speech, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd.), said Governor Namadi’s support for the agency is unmatched among Nigerian state governments.

“There is no governor in Nigeria today who is doing more for the NDLEA State Command than the Governor of Jigawa State,” he said.

He revealed that the governor has provided land for a permanent NDLEA barracks, office space, residential support for the state commander, and additional help to boost the agency’s operations in Jigawa.

“As a student of governance and public administration myself, I am pleased to express my deepest commendation to the executive governor of this great state, His Excellency, Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, for the tremendous efforts he is making to transform Jigawa State for the better. The governor is proving that good governance is the best solution to social problems.”

The NDLEA chairman highlighted the agency’s national successes. Between January 2021 and December 2025, the agency made 77,859 arrests, secured 14,122 convictions, seized 14.8 million kilogrammes of drugs, and helped over 50,000 people in treatment centres across the country.

He stated that Jigawa’s estimated drug use rate of about seven percent is one of the lowest in Nigeria. He is confident that the new Task Force will help reduce this number further through prevention, community mobilization and continued collaboration.