National Drug Law Enforcement Agency chairman Buba Marwa has warned Nigerian exporters that allowing illicit drugs into a consignment could result in prosecution, loss of business and lasting reputational damage. Speaking at an Aspire Women Forum masterclass in Abuja, he urged entrepreneurs to verify their trading partners and maintain control over what they ship.
Marwa said women and young people seeking international markets should resist offers of quick money and take precautions against being exploited by trafficking networks. He also warned that substance misuse could undermine health, judgement and business ambitions, encouraging people who need help to seek professional support through the agency’s counseling services.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by an aide, said Nigeria’s ambition to build a trillion-dollar economy would depend on an environment where enterprises can develop skills, secure finance, reach markets and create jobs. He argued that empowerment programmes should be measured by real improvements in business performance and household incomes.
Aspire Women Forum founder Zainab Marwa said the training was intended to address practical obstacles such as weak record-keeping, limited access to finance, poor packaging and inadequate market connections. She promised continued mentoring and referrals, urging participants to formalize their operations and meet export requirements.
