The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has unveiled plans for a comprehensive new strategy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against crime, corruption, terrorism and drug trafficking over the next five years.

Speaking at a media dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday, UNODC Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, said the initiative -the UNODC Nigeria Country Programme 2026–2030—was designed to address the country’s evolving security and governance challenges through a coordinated and forward-looking framework.

The dialogue held at the United Nations House, Abuja, brought together journalists and UN officials to discuss the new programme and the role of the media in shaping public awareness around issues such as drug trafficking, organized crime and violent extremism.

Toure commended the Nigerian media for their consistent support in highlighting critical national and global concerns related to crime and security.

“Over the years, you have not only reported on our work; you have amplified critical issues, shaped public understanding, and helped draw both national and international attention to the challenges of drugs, crime and terrorism in Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that while Nigeria remains a country of enormous potential and regional influence, it also faces complex and interconnected threats, including organized crime, corruption, terrorism and emerging technology-driven risks.

According to him, these challenges require coordinated responses that bring together justice, security, governance and social protection systems.

“For over three decades, UNODC has worked alongside the Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian people to address these issues. But the landscape is evolving,” Toure said.

He explained the Country Programme 2026–2030 represents the first comprehensive framework of its kind for Nigeria and reflects UNODC’s commitment to working more strategically with national institutions and partners.

The five-year programme focuses on strengthening institutional capacity across four key pillars: justice and rule of law, security and counter-terrorism, anti-corruption and governance, and protection of vulnerable groups.

It is also aligned with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, while supporting Nigeria’s national priorities.

Toure explained that the programme will pursue five strategic outcomes, including strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice systems, combating corruption and illicit financial flows, enhancing security and counter-terrorism efforts, tackling organized crime, and improving evidence-based responses to drug production, trafficking and addiction.

He stressed that a key feature of the programme is its integrated approach, combining legal, social, economic and security responses to address the root causes and impacts of crime and instability.

The strategy also incorporates foresight analysis to anticipate emerging threats such as cybercrime, environmental crime, risks affecting children and gaps in justice and law enforcement systems.

According to Toure, the programme places strong emphasis on inclusivity, human rights and gender sensitivity, ensuring that justice and security initiatives benefit all Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable.

He added that UNODC will officially launch the Nigeria Country Programme and will continue to work closely with government agencies, civil society and the media to promote informed and responsible public discourse.

“The road ahead will not be easy, but the foundation is strong, the partnerships are real and the commitment is unwavering,” he said. (THISDAY)

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