Health-tech firm Remedial Health is joining forces with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address the growing drug abuse crisis in Nigeria, following a productive meeting with NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd). At the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, both parties discussed strategic measures to improve oversight of the pharmaceutical supply chain, aiming to mitigate drug misuse across the country.
According to a statement from Remedial Health, NDLEA’s marked success in tackling drug-related issues since Marwa’s appointment in 2021 spurred the company’s decision to engage in collaboration. “Since the chairman’s appointment in January 2021, NDLEA has made significant strides in combatting drug abuse and misuse in Nigeria,” the statement read. “His leadership has driven impactful partnerships that underscore NDLEA’s role as one of the most effective and high-performing agencies in the country.”
The discussions marked an important step in reinforcing regulatory measures within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. Remedial Health’s Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Okwuada, emphasized the company’s commitment to promoting safe pharmaceutical practices, focusing on preventing counterfeit drugs from reaching communities. “Drug abuse in Nigeria is an urgent public health issue, affecting millions. Ensuring a secure and transparent pharmaceutical supply chain is critical to addressing this challenge,” Okwuada said.
NDLEA Chairman Marwa praised Remedial Health’s dedication to increasing transparency within the pharmaceutical industry through technology, noting the role of private-sector partnerships in preventing the circulation of unregulated drugs. Marwa highlighted the importance of engaging innovative firms like Remedial Health to bolster public health protections in Nigeria.
Highlighting the scale of the issue, the NDLEA noted that over 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 currently report drug use—a rate nearly triple the global average. Both Remedial Health and the NDLEA are optimistic that their partnership will support greater strides in lowering these alarming figures, fostering a safer and healthier Nigeria.
