UN Unveils New Strategy to Tackle Crime, Corruption, and Terrorism in Nigeria

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has unveiled a comprehensive five-year strategy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against crime, corruption, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

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 is 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 in Abuja, brought together journalists and UN officials to discuss the new programme and the critical role of media in raising 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.

“These challenges require coordinated responses that bring together justice, security, governance, and social protection systems,” he said.

According to Toure, UNODC has been working alongside the Government of Nigeria for over three decades, but the landscape is evolving. The Country Programme 2026–2030 represents the first comprehensive framework of its kind for Nigeria, reflecting UNODC’s commitment to working 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

Protection of vulnerable groups

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

The programme will pursue five strategic outcomes:

Strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice systems

Combating corruption and illicit financial flows

Enhancing security and counter-terrorism efforts

Tackling organized crime

Improving evidence-based responses to drug production, trafficking, and addiction

A key feature of the strategy is its integrated approach, combining legal, social, economic, and security measures to address the root causes and impacts of crime and instability. It also incorporates foresight analysis to anticipate emerging threats such as cybercrime, environmental crime, risks affecting children, and gaps in justice and law enforcement systems.

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.

UNODC will officially launch the Nigeria Country Programme later this year 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,” Toure said.