We are delighted to announce Cheikh Ousmane Touré as the new United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Representative to Nigeria. With a deep commitment to advancing justice and promoting peace, Cheikh brings a wealth of experience in combating crime, addressing corruption, and supporting drug control efforts worldwide.
Cheikh’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the UNODC’s ongoing partnership with Nigeria. His extensive career in international law, public policy, and crime prevention will significantly bolster our mission to promote security, justice, and development across the nation and the region.
About Cheikh Touré: A Seasoned Leader with Global Experience
Cheikh brings over two decades of exceptional leadership and expertise to the forefront of international development and affairs. His career has been marked by pivotal roles in development work, combating drug trafficking, corruption, and organized crime across diverse global landscapes. His extensive experience across diverse nations, including Chad, South Sudan, DRC, Palestine, Lao PDR, Gabon, Nigeria, and Cote d'Ivoire, has been instrumental in fortifying legal frameworks, bolstering law enforcement capabilities including in border management, and fostering community resilience. His academic credentials, including a bachelor’s degree from Institut Superieur de Management in Dakar and a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in Washington DC., provide a solid foundation for his strategic approach to complex global challenges.
As Cheikh brings his wealth of experience to Nigeria, his leadership is poised to introduce innovative strategies that address critical issues such as drug control, anti-corruption measures, transnational organized crime, and criminal justice reforms. His approach is expected to ensure that Nigeria's efforts are not only effective domestically but also align seamlessly with the broader ecosystem of West and Central Africa. This regional perspective, combined with Cheikh's proven track record of spearheading impactful initiatives, positions him as a transformative leader capable of driving meaningful change in the complex landscape of international development and criminal justice.
A Vision for Nigeria: Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
Cheikh demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges through strategic alliances and comprehensive programs. His focus spans UNODC's wide-ranging mandate areas, actively collaborating with the Nigerian government, civil society groups, and international partners including neighboring countries to implement effective solutions. Notably, Cheikh strongly emphasizes youth engagement and gender equality, particularly in the context of Women, Peace and Security initiatives and regional stabilization efforts. His professional approach and commitment to fostering multi-stakeholder cooperation highlight his vision for driving substantial progress in addressing the complex issues facing Nigeria and the wider region. Cheikh is committed to driving inclusive and sustainable solutions to the country's challenges by actively integrating youth perspectives and championing women's participation in peace processes and decision-making.
A Message from Cheikh
"I am deeply honored to assume this role as UNODC Representative in Nigeria. My commitment to Africa’s development is unwavering, and I am eager to integrate human peace and security into the narrative of UNODC's intervention in Nigeria. With the exceptional CONIG team by my side, I am confident that we can forge innovative strategies to address critical issues such as drug control, anti-corruption, and criminal justice reforms. Together, we will strengthen partnerships, engage youth, and promote gender equality to create lasting, positive change. Nigeria's challenges are complex, but our resolve is stronger. Let us embark on this journey towards a richer, safer, more just Nigeria and a more stable West African region." — Cheikh, UNODC Country Representative to Nigeria
Media and Public Engagement: Follow Cheikh’s Journey in Nigeria
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Contact Information
For more information or media inquiries, please reach out to:
Chioma Ekene-Ugwu(chioma.ekene-ugwu@un.org) or Rafiat Atanda (Rafiat.atanda@un.org)
