Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation has on Friday launched the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC Strategic Vision for Nigeria 2030.
Held at Obasanjo Auditorium Abuja, the UNODC Strategic Vision for Nigeria specifically has five key priority areas, which target at strengthening and ensuring access to the administration of the justice system, security of Nigerians from terrorism, protecting people from organized crimes and criminalities, promoting people’s health and providing access to healthcare services among others.
Malami, represented by the Acting Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Benjamin Okolo, said the Strategic Vision will help Nigeria in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 aimed at promoting peaceful inclusive societies for sustainable development and providing access to justice institutions at all levels.
He assured UNODC of the Federal Government’s continuous support and cooperation in the implementation of the Strategic Vision.
In his remarks, the UNODC Country Representative, Nigeria, Mr. Oliver Stolpe explained that the Strategic Vision for Nigeria was the latest result of a strong and long-standing partnership with Nigeria since 1990, stating that it is time to elevate the partnership, to confront growing challenges by building on the positive steps that have been taken.
He added that Nigeria faces serious, multi-dimensional challenges to security and rule of law, Boko Haram and other Terrorist groups target innocent people in the North- East and across the Sahel, while piracy continues to plague the Gulf of Guinea.
Mr. Stolpe, therefore, explained that it is critical to strengthen the broad framework of responses, including laws, Institutions, capacities and awareness of which Nigeria has already taken significant steps but needs a robust legal framework to tackle serious and organised crime such as drug trafficking, terrorism, piracy, trafficking in persons, corruption and money laundering.
In attendance were representatives of the Director-General, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), FCT High Court Judge, Nigerian Correctional Centre, and Commissioners from ECOWAS, Directors from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Diplomats among others.
