During a two-day training for media personnel on anti-corruption, police accountability, wildlife crime, and drug prevention, treatment, and care in Abuja, UNODC Country Representative Oliver Stolpe expressed skepticism about the deterrent effect of the death penalty.
“The deterrent effect of the death penalty has never been convincingly proven,” Stolpe stated. “There is no evidence of its effectiveness, and our stance as the UN is clear—we are principally and categorically against it. From a practical viewpoint, it doesn’t make sense.”
Stolpe emphasized the need to distinguish between drug trafficking and drug use, the latter being a health issue rather than a criminal one. “Addiction is a health condition, not a choice,” he said.
Highlighting the need for updated drug data in Nigeria, Stolpe noted that the last national drug survey was conducted in 2018. “The 2018 drug use survey is the most cited study, yet it is outdated. Media should question how we can rely on 2018 data to describe today’s drug use levels.”
Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Retired), Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), emphasized the media’s crucial role in combating drug abuse and trafficking. Represented by NDLEA Secretary Shedrach Haruna, Marwa stated, “The media is an indispensable partner in our efforts, fostering an environment that supports anti-drug initiatives and transparency in law enforcement.”
