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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Illicit drug prohibition framework in Nigeria: Statutory lacunae enforcement aberrations and strategies for regulatory effectiveness
Authors
Mary Udofia, Esther Edet Archibong, Onyinye OC-Chukwuocha
Abstract
The study assessed legal and institutional factors affecting the control
of illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. The study analyzed national and
international frameworks, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA) Act, the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the United Nations Convention against
Transnational Organized Crime, alongside regional mechanisms such as ECOWAS
collaborative operations. The research method was doctrinal, involving detailed
review of statutes, case law, policy documents and scholarly literature related
to drug control, enforcement practices, judicial procedures and cross-border
cooperation. Findings of the study showed that poverty and unemployment created
conditions for youth recruitment into trafficking networks. Weak border
surveillance, insufficient personnel and inadequate logistics enabled smugglers
to exploit national frontiers. Corruption among law enforcement officials
disrupted enforcement operations and reduced the effectiveness of prosecution.
Judicial delays and inconsistent sentencing allowed convicted traffickers to
return to illegal activities. Furthermore, transnational networks supported by
international demand facilitated movement of illicit substances, while poor
inter-agency coordination hindered intelligence sharing and operational
efficiency. NDLEA-led initiatives, alongside cooperation with police, customs
and foreign agencies, had limited success due to these constraints. The researchers
recommended increased personnel and logistical support, transparent oversight
to reduce corruption, expedited judicial procedures and strengthened inter-agency
collaboration. The research concluded that effective control depended on
combined legal enforcement, judicial efficiency and social interventions to
disrupt trafficking networks and reduce drug abuse in Nigeria.
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Pages:166-172
How to cite this article:
Mary Udofia, Esther Edet Archibong, Onyinye OC-Chukwuocha "Illicit drug prohibition framework in Nigeria: Statutory lacunae enforcement aberrations and strategies for regulatory effectiveness". International Journal of Law, Policy and Social Review, Vol 8, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 166-172
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