The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has unveiled a new five-year strategy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to crime, corruption, terrorism and drug trafficking.

The initiative, tagged the UNODC Nigeria Country Programme 2026–2030, was presented during a media dialogue held at the United Nations House in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, UNODC Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, said the programme provides a comprehensive and forward-looking framework designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security and governance challenges.

The dialogue brought together journalists and UN officials to examine the programme’s objectives and highlight the media’s role in raising public awareness on issues such as drug trafficking, organised crime and violent extremism.

Toure commended the Nigerian media for consistently drawing attention to critical security concerns, noting that their reporting has helped shape public understanding and attract both national and international focus to the country’s challenges.

He observed that while Nigeria remains a nation of significant potential and regional influence, it continues to face complex and interconnected threats, including organised crime, corruption, terrorism and emerging risks driven by technology.

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

He noted that UNODC’s new country programme represents its first comprehensive framework for Nigeria, reflecting a more strategic approach to collaboration with national institutions and partners.

The programme is built around four key pillars: justice and rule of law, security and counter-terrorism, anti-corruption and governance, and protection of vulnerable groups.

It also aligns with continental and global development frameworks, including African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Toure explained that the initiative will focus on strengthening criminal justice systems, tackling corruption and illicit financial flows, enhancing counter-terrorism efforts, combating organised crime, and improving evidence-based responses to drug production, trafficking and addiction.

He added that the programme adopts an integrated approach that combines legal, social, economic and security measures to address both the 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.

Toure emphasised that inclusivity, human rights and gender sensitivity are central to the programme, ensuring that interventions benefit all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations.

He added that the UNODC will formally launch the programme in due course and continue working closely with government agencies, civil society and the media to promote informed 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.