The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has highlighted a concerning drug addiction crisis in Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, where approximately three million individuals are struggling with substance abuse. This alarming figure was shared by NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa during the launch of a sensitization campaign in Kaduna on Monday.
Marwa emphasized the significance of the campaign, themed “Stop Drug Abuse and Domestic Violence in Our Communities,” noting that the region, with an estimated population of 25 million, suffers the highest prevalence of drug abuse, with Kano State leading at a 16% addiction rate. This public health crisis affects nearly 12% of the region’s population, which amounts to around three million people. Marwa underscored the necessity for collective action from governments, lawmakers, religious and community leaders, as well as private stakeholders to combat this problem effectively.
The NDLEA has already taken steps to address the issue, including the establishment of 30 counseling and rehabilitation centers nationwide. Over the past four years, 22,047 individuals have been treated and rehabilitated through these centers. Additionally, Marwa called for North-West governors to build more rehabilitation centers within their states, with each senatorial district having at least one.
The NDLEA also introduced an initiative for alternative livelihoods, collaborating with stakeholders to provide alternative sources of income to those involved in the illicit drug trade. Marwa highlighted that Nigeria was the first in Africa to implement this alternative development initiative, earning praise from the UNODC.
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, also spoke at the event, stressing the link between drug abuse and violent crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, and domestic violence. The collaborative campaign will run for four months and aims to reduce drug abuse and violent crimes while raising awareness and encouraging rehabilitation.
This campaign, alongside the call for stronger community mobilization, is expected to generate a nationwide effort to combat drug abuse and its accompanying societal harms. The initiative’s success relies on sustained cooperation between government, community leaders, and citizens to create a safer, healthier environment for all.
What are your thoughts on the NDLEA’s efforts to address this issue in the North-West? Do you think this initiative will have a long-term impact on drug abuse in the region?
