NDLEA under fire over collaboration with Naira Marley

Some Nigerians have taken to social media to criticise the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for collaborating with Naira Marley.

Earlier today, the agency enlisted the singer for its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign.

Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, in a post on X — formerly Twitter — said the agency will on Friday put out the singer’s first message against drug abuse.

“See who’s on board ⁦@ndlea_nigeria War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign; it’s Naira Marley. Watch out for his message to Nigerian youths,” he wrote.

In a follow-up post, Babafemi shared a video of Naira Marley encouraging Nigerians to desist from drug abuse because “it is not good for your well-being”.

In the footage, the singer said drug abuse increases crime rates. He also said he is supporting the NDLEA campaign to “stop substance abuse in any form”.

“I would like to urge my fans and Nigerian youths to stop drugs because it is not good for your wellbeing. Let us stop substance abuse in any form,” he said.

Just have to drop this now. From Naira Marley to Marlians on drug abuse pic.twitter.com/7vZ50O9ER0

— Femi Babafemi (@FemiBabafemi) August 17, 2023

“I have keyed into this campaign to support NDLEA to stop drugs on the streets. Please join us. It is really not good. It makes you go back into crime and it does a lot of things to you.”

In 2022, Naira Marley was in the news over the arrest of Zinoleesky and Mohbad — his record label signee and former label artiste respectively — by the NDLEA.

The artistes were arrested alongside four others “after some quantities of Cannabis and Molly were recovered from their apartment and car”.

Shortly after their arrest, Naira Marley shared a video of himself smoking heavily while in the company of his team.

The NDLEA’s collaboration with the singer has attracted a chorus of condemnation on the microblogging platform.

Most users on X argued that Naira Marley is not the right celebrity to speak to the youth about drug abuse.

“It’s funny to see someone of Naira Marley’s status represent war against drug abuse but sometimes you fight poison with poison and I believe NDLEA’s partnership with him was intentional,” a user wrote.

Another user wrote: “NDLEA using Naira Marley to tell youths to stop doing drugs is very unprofessional. We have a drug pandemic in Nigeria. It’s a very serious issue and any message they’re passing should be intentional”.

A user alleged that “He must have smoked two wraps before coming for the interview”.

Here are what some users had to say below:

How will i tell my unborn kids Naira Marley joined NDLEA to campaign against drug abuse 😭 pic.twitter.com/ks9gfsLGJs

— SEUN💫 (@_oluwaseun9) August 17, 2023

Naira Marley telling us to say no to drugs is like Ronaldo teaching us how to win World Cup 💀💀

— 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊 (@TheMahleek) August 17, 2023

NDLEA give naira Marley ambassador? Be like dem don legalize igbo for this Nigeria 😭 pic.twitter.com/wJSgNBodj7

— иυєℓℓ™🦅 (@alhajinuell) August 17, 2023

NDLEA making Naira Marley an ambassador is like UEFA using Arsenal as the face of Champions League. This country is a big joke 😭😭

— LERRY (@_AsiwajuLerry) August 17, 2023

Naira marley is now NDLEA ambassador against Drug abuse, That’s like making Davido ambassador for Durex😂😂 pic.twitter.com/8zYYI5kHil

— SEUN💫 (@_oluwaseun9) August 17, 2023

Naira marley as NDLEA ambassador

Chaii this country too sweet🤣 pic.twitter.com/W7GNuvFGma

— MBAH (@Mbahdeyforyou) August 17, 2023

After the damage he has caused! You NDLEA are not even helping issues!

— Manga Fatso 🇳🇬 (@Manga4atso) August 17, 2023

Naira Marley does not only promote weed but has built his career around it, he shouldn't be seen mingling with members of the NDLEA. Asides from encouraging drug abuse, he's an alleged fraudster & has been involved in many scandals, so it's upsett!ng to see him getting applause.

— Daniel Regha (@DanielRegha) August 17, 2023

Behold the latest NDLEA ambassador Naira Marley.
Just when you think that Nigeria has shocked you enough, it shocks you even more. pic.twitter.com/uLincu1SxX

— Dr Penking™🇳🇬🇦🇺 (@drpenking) August 17, 2023

This NDLEA and Naira Marley appointment gets funnier every time I think about it. 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/EHKZbhISzX

— Jae (@Real_jaeflex) August 17, 2023

Naira Marley as NDLEA ambassador is actually a good thing, it could actually set a good propaganda against drug abuse! Millions of people see him as their role model, so when he talks against drug abuse, a lot of people would actually listen and change.

— Amara Eneje🦋🍔🍫 (@Maraneje1) August 17, 2023

Naira marley becoming NDLEA Ambassador and telling youths to shun drugs is the funniest thing I saw on the Internet today😭 pic.twitter.com/womXonMUH6

— Chinua🐻🖤 (@Not__Achebe) August 17, 2023