RismadarVoice Reporters
September 20, 2026
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has promised to introduce a severe punishment for individuals involved in importing hard drugs into Nigeria if elected president in the 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the statement on Saturday during a town hall meeting with NDC members and supporters in Kaduna State. He discussed his proposed measures for addressing drug trafficking and the growing problem of substance abuse, particularly among young Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor said his administration would adopt a firm approach toward people involved in bringing illegal drugs into the country. He maintained that offenders would be treated equally, regardless of their political influence, social status or connections.
“If I assume office as President of Nigeria, anybody importing hard drugs will face a life sentence. Our youths have suffered immensely because of hard drugs,” Obi said.
His position comes amid increased efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat the movement and distribution of illicit drugs across the country. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has continued to conduct arrests and secure convictions against individuals involved in drug trafficking.
According to figures released by the agency, 974 drug offenders were convicted between January and March 2026. Among those convicted were 11 major traffickers who collectively received prison sentences amounting to 254 years.
The fight against drug trafficking has also featured several high-profile operations in recent months. In September, the NDLEA arrested suspected drug kingpin Festus Ibewuike in neighbouring Benin Republic and brought him back to Nigeria. Authorities reportedly linked him to the seizure of 49.7 kilogrammes of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The agency has also uncovered an industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Ebonyi State. An operation connected to the investigation led to the arrest of a Mexican national at Lagos airport. According to the Associated Press, citing the NDLEA, investigators recovered methamphetamine and significant quantities of chemicals allegedly used in the production of illicit drugs.
Obi’s comments come as authorities consider tougher measures against drug trafficking. In June, the NDLEA said the Federal Government was considering proposals to eliminate fines as an alternative punishment for convicted drug traffickers. Under the proposed changes, offenders could instead face mandatory prison sentences of between 15 and 25 years.
Recent court cases have also demonstrated the seriousness with which Nigerian authorities treat major drug offences. On September 17, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced 38-year-old South African national Will Ann to 25 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to importing 5.75 kilogrammes of heroin into Nigeria. The sentences imposed were ordered to run concurrently.
Existing Nigerian drug laws already provide severe penalties for some forms of illegal drug importation. Under the NDLEA Act, individuals convicted of unlawfully importing substances such as cocaine, heroin and LSD can face life imprisonment, while other offences attract varying prison terms.
Beyond drug-related issues, Obi urged presidential candidates to avoid making campaign promises they cannot fulfil after taking office. He encouraged politicians to concentrate on the challenges facing Nigerians and engage directly with citizens on practical solutions.
Obi also said that, if elected, he would spend his annual holidays within Nigeria rather than travelling abroad. He explained that such periods would provide an opportunity for the president to remain connected with citizens, visit communities across the country and personally observe challenges such as insecurity.
Obi is seeking another opportunity to contest the presidency in 2027 after running in the 2023 election as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate. He has since moved to the NDC, where he emerged as the party’s candidate for the upcoming election.
